Car Seat Safety

 New Federal Standards (FMVSS 213a)

 

 

• By December 5, 2026, all new car seats for children up to 40 lb must pass a 30 mph side-impact test, in addition to frontal crash standards  .

• No rush to upgrade if your current seat:

   

  • Is not expired (typically 7–10 years from manufacture)

  • Has no open recalls

  • Is correctly installed and fits your child’s size 

   

• Seats available after mid-2025 will likely feature updated compliance labels—look for “FMVSS 213a.”

 

 

New Car Seat Regulations Are Coming—Do You Have To Buy Another One? (Parents)

 

 

 

 Key Safety Tips for 2025

 

 

 

 1. Keep Them 

Rear-Facing for as Long as Possible

 

 

• Recommended until reaching the height or weight limit of the seat (often up to 50 lb)  .

• Ideal for at least age 2–4, or beyond  .

 

 

 

 2. Use a 

5‑Point Harness

 

 

• Saddles shoulders, hips, and crotch safely—can reduce serious injury risk by ~82%  .

 

 

 

 3. Perfect the 

Pinch Test

 

 

• After buckling, pinch harness at shoulder:

   

  • No excess material = snug and secure

  • If you can pinch webbing, it’s too loose 

   

 

 

 

 4. Avoid Bulky Clothing

 

 

• Puffy jackets compress in a crash, causing slack—strap children in with thin layers, then add a blanket on top  .

 

 

 

 5. Ensure Correct Seat Installation

 

 

• Should move no more than 1 inch in any direction  .

• Use LATCH or seat belt + top tether per car seat and vehicle manuals  .

• If unsure, schedule a free check at a certified inspection station, especially on National Seat Check Saturday each September .

 

 

 

 6. Backseat Only Until Age 13

 

 

• All children under 13 should ride in the back seat, properly restrained  .

 

 

 

 7. Watch the Expiry & Recalls

 

 

• Car seats last 7–10 years, depending on model  .

• Register your seat to receive recall notices promptly  .

• After any moderate to severe crash, you must replace the seat, even if no visible damage  .

 

 

 

 8. Transitioning Booster & Seat Belt Use

 

 

• Use forward-facing harnessed seats until child outgrows manufacturer limits (~age 5+)  .

• Then use booster seats until seat belt fits correctly—lap belt on upper thighs, shoulder belt across chest—not neck .

 

 

 

 

 Quick Recap Table

 

Safety Area

What to Do

Seat Type & Position

Rear-facing as long as possible, back seat until age 13

Harness Fit

5-point harness; perform pinch test; no bulky clothes

Installation

Secure ≤1″ movement; follow LATCH/seat belt + tether

Regulations

Seats post-Dec 30 2025 sold with side-impact compliance

Maintenance

Register seat, check expiry, replace after crash

 

 

 

 Bottom Line

 

 

If your current car seat:

 

• Has no recalls

• Is unexpired

• Fits your child securely (rear- or forward-facing)

• Is properly installed

 

 

…then you’re good to go in 2025. But when it’s time to buy, choose a seat labeled FMVSS 213a compliant for added side-impact protection.