Make sure it fits properly

(HealthDay News) -- Trying to choose the best car seat for your child? The most important things to keep in mind are that it fits your child and is properly installed.

Your child should ride in a car seat at all times -- always in the vehicle's back seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in car seats until they reach 4'9" in height or between 8 and 12 years of age.

Children should ride in rear-facing car seats at least until they reach age 1 or weigh 20 to 22 pounds, when they may move to a forward-facing car seat.

Make sure that your child is always buckled in properly, and that the car seat is appropriately secured.

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