Resources for Families
Free guides, safety tips, and bilingual tools to help every family keep their child safe on the road.
Car Seat Safety Tips
Quick, actionable guidance from our certified technicians
Check the Harness Fit
The harness should be snug enough that you can't pinch any slack at the shoulder. A loose harness can allow a child to be ejected in a crash.
Use the Correct Slot Height
For rear-facing seats, harness straps should be at or below the shoulders. For forward-facing, straps should be at or above the shoulders.
Keep Rear-Facing as Long as Possible
Rear-facing is the safest position for young children. Keep your child rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of their seat.
Register Your Car Seat
Always register your car seat with the manufacturer so you receive recall notices. A recalled seat may not protect your child in a crash.
Never Use a Secondhand Seat Without History
Avoid using a car seat that has been in a crash, is expired, or has an unknown history. When in doubt, replace it.
Clean Regularly — The Right Way
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Never submerge harness straps or use harsh chemicals that can degrade the materials.
Downloadable Guides
Free resources available in English and Spanish
Car Seat Installation Checklist
NHTSAStep-by-step checklist from NHTSA to verify your car seat is installed correctly and safely.
Is Your Child In The Right Seat?
Bilingual guides from Buckle Up MN to help you choose the correct car seat stage for your child
Is Your Child In The Right Seat?
Buckle Up MNA clear, visual guide to help Minnesota families choose the correct car seat stage based on age, height, and weight.
¿Está su hijo en el asiento correcto?
Buckle Up MNGuía visual para ayudar a las familias de Minnesota a elegir la etapa correcta del asiento de auto según la edad, altura y peso.
Ultimate Car Seat Guide
Personalized tips based on your child's name, age, and weight
The Ultimate Car Seat Guide from Safe Kids Worldwide walks you through the basics of buying, installing, finding the right fit, and knowing when to move to the next stage. Enter your child's information to get personalized recommendations tailored to your family.
Find the Right Seat for Your Child
Enter your child's age, weight, and height to get a personalized car seat stage and product recommendation
Not sure which car seat stage is right for your child? NHTSA's free interactive tool walks you through the options based on your child's specific measurements — rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, or seat belt. Every child is different, and this tool helps take the guesswork out of one of the most important safety decisions you'll make.
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Children's Coloring Book Series
Making car seat safety fun for kids — available in English and Spanish
Inspired by our daughter Addison — who is also the main character — our bilingual coloring book series was designed to align with Minnesota's Car Seat Law that went into effect August 1, 2024. The law is based on best practice recommendations encouraging caregivers to keep children in each car seat stage until they max out the height or weight limit. Because every child and every situation is different, the book serves as an engaging, best practice guide — not a universal rule. While Minnesota is a leader in best practice standards, parents and caregivers should always follow their own state's laws and recommendations.
Available at community events and through our outreach program. Contact us to request a copy for your family or organization.
Request a CopyFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from Minnesota families
Still Have Questions?
Our certified technicians are here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to talk through your car seat questions.