In California, a child can legally use a forward-facing car seat once they are at least 2 years old AND meet the seat's minimum height and weight requirements. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible, ideally until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their specific car seat's manufacturer. This is because rear-facing seats provide superior protection for a child's head, neck, and spine in a crash.
The California Vehicle Code is specific about the progression of child passenger safety restraints. Children under 2 must be secured in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh 40 or more pounds OR are 40 or more inches tall. Once a child outgrows the rear-facing limits, you can transition them to a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness. They must remain in this harnessed seat until they reach the seat's maximum limits, which are often around 65 pounds.
The next stage is a booster seat, which is required until the child is at least 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. The key is that the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt must fit correctly across the child's body. Ultimately, the law sets the minimum standard, but following best-practice guidelines from safety organizations provides the highest level of protection.
| Key Safety Milestone | California Legal Minimum | Best Practice Recommendation (AAP) |
|---|
| Rear-Facing Seat | Mandatory for under 2 years old, unless child is over 40 lbs or 40 inches. | Continue until child reaches max height/weight limit of seat (often 40-50 lbs). |
| Forward-Facing Seat (with Harness) | At least 2 years old AND meets seat's requirements. | Use until child exceeds the harness's weight/height limits (often up to 65 lbs). |
| Booster Seat | Until 8 years old OR 4'9" tall. | Use until vehicle seat belt fits properly (lap belt on hips, shoulder belt on chest). |
| Seat Belt Alone | After 8 years old OR 4'9" tall. | Only when the seat belt passes the 5-step test for proper fit. |
