Child Passenger Safety

Prevent crash injuries in children.

Always properly buckle children aged 12 and under in the back seat.

Buckle Kids Right: Know the Car Seat Stages

Buckle Up Every Age, Every Seat, Every Trip

Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Always buckling children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts reduces serious and fatal injuries by up to 80%.

Get the Facts
What Works: Strategies to Increase Car Seat and Booster Seat Use
Publications
Resources
CDC Vital Signs: Child Passenger Safety – Buckle up every age, every trip
CDC Feature Article: Child Passenger Safety
Buckle Up: Restraint Use State Fact Sheets

Birth up to age 2. Buckle children in a rear-facing seat until age 2 or when they reach the upper weight or height limit of that seat.

Using the correct car seat can be a lifesaver

Age 2 until at least age 5. Make sure your child is always buckled in an age- and size-appropriate car seat or booster seat.

Using the correct car seat can be a lifesaver

Make sure your child is always buckled in an age- and size-appropriate car seat or booster seat.

Using a booster seat until seat belts fit properly can be a lifesaver

Using a properly fitting seat belt can be a lifesaver

Additional Information

If You’re Pregnant: Seat Belt Recommendations For Drivers and Passengersexternal icon
American Academy of Pediatrics: Policy Statement – Child Passenger Safetyexternal icon
Find a child passenger safety technicianexternal icon
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Parent’s Centralexternal icon

Page last reviewed: September 6, 2019

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control