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Picture this: A seven year old propped uncomfortably in an infant's car seat. Something wrong there, eh? The fact is, it is not actually very difficult to decide when your child has outgrown a car seat. First you need to read the instructions, then you want to use common sense.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
Whenever you buy a new appliance or important safety device, you want to read the instructions and specs. If you don't want to leaf through the multiple language booklet, then just look at the specs sticker on the side of the car seat. It will usually guide you on how to install the seat and also the weight limit for it. Some of these car seats will suggest ages, but really you want to stick with weight.

If you read the instructions, you will know which car seat is right for your child. My wife and I see it as a three step process. From age 0 to about 1 (or about 20 pounds) they use a rear-facing infant seat. From age 1 to about age 5 or 6, they use an erect, forward-facing seat that has a four point harness. From age 5 or 6 to about 8 or 9 (depending on height and weight), they use a booster. The instructions on your car seats will pretty much give you the same guidelines.

COMMON SENSE
If the child in question is far bigger than average, you want to use common sense. It would be silly to use an infant car seat for a child whose head lolls out the top of the seat. So use that wonderful common sense and get the right car seat.

The same goes for smaller children. My seven year old is kind of a shrimp, so he still sits on a full car seat, rather than a booster. This way the car's seat belt is not positioned on his neck.

All in all, remember that most states have tight laws about the use of proper child restraints. Plus, what could be more important than keeping your family safe?

Learn more about this author, Jared Garrett.
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