A loose harness strap. A chest clip that’s sitting too low. Turning a child forward-facing just a bit too soon. These small mistakes are surprisingly common, and they can make a huge difference in a crash. While the Missouri car seat laws 2025 provide a clear framework, understanding how to apply them correctly is what truly keeps your child safe. This guide breaks down the legal requirements in simple terms. More importantly, we’ll show you how to avoid the most frequent installation errors, so you can feel confident your child is properly secured for every single trip.

Key Takeaways

Go Beyond the Law for Maximum Safety: Missouri’s laws provide a baseline, but the safest approach is to keep your child in each car seat stage—rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster—until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the seat’s manufacturer.
Proper Use Makes All the Difference: A correct installation is critical, meaning the seat shouldn’t move more than an inch at the belt path. For daily use, always position the harness correctly, ensure the chest clip is at armpit level, and remove bulky coats before buckling your child in.
Get a Professional to Check Your Work: You don’t have to guess if your installation is right. Take advantage of Missouri’s free resources by finding a certified child passenger safety technician or a local inspection station to get expert help and ensure your child is as safe as possible.

Missouri Car Seat Laws: What You Need to Know

As a parent, your child’s safety is always top of mind, especially on the road. Buckling them in is second nature, but are you following Missouri’s specific car seat laws? These rules are designed to protect our smallest passengers, and knowing them is the first step in keeping your kids safe during every trip, whether it’s to the grocery store or across the state.

Understanding the legal requirements can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The laws are in place for one simple reason: to save lives and prevent injuries. When you know the rules, you can feel confident that you’re not only complying with the law but also giving your child the best protection possible in a moving vehicle. Let’s break down exactly what Missouri law requires for child safety seats so you can drive with peace of mind.

Understanding Federal Safety Standards

While Missouri law tells you which type of car seat your child needs at each age, federal regulations are what guarantee the seat itself is safe. These national standards, set by the government, act as a crucial safety net, ensuring every car seat sold in the U.S. has passed rigorous testing before it ever reaches a store shelf. Think of it this way: state laws are the rules of the road for car seat use, while federal standards are the blueprint for building a safe and effective seat. Understanding this distinction can give you incredible peace of mind as a parent. When you see that compliance sticker, you know the seat is designed to perform in a crash, providing a fundamental layer of protection for your child.

What is FMVSS 213?

You might see “Meets FMVSS 213” on a car seat’s sticker and wonder what it means. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213 is the official rulebook for child car seats in the United States. This standard outlines the specific performance requirements that every new child restraint system must meet to be sold legally. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these rules are in place to ensure the seats adequately protect children during a crash. It covers everything from the strength of the harnesses and buckles to how the seat performs in a simulated collision, giving you peace of mind that the seat is designed to do its job when it matters most.

Defining a “Child Restraint System”

The term “Child Restraint System” sounds technical, but it’s simply the official name for any device designed to keep a child secure in a vehicle. Federal law defines a Child Restraint System as any device, other than a standard seat belt, made to restrain, seat, or position a child in a car or airplane. This broad category includes all the seats you’re familiar with: rear-facing infant seats, convertible seats, and forward-facing seats with a harness. It also includes booster seats, which the NHTSA confirms are a type of child restraint system designed to properly position the vehicle’s seat belt on a child. This all-encompassing definition ensures that every stage of your child’s car safety journey is covered by these critical federal standards.

The Official Legal Requirements

At its core, Missouri’s law is straightforward. According to Missouri Revised Statute 307.179, children of a certain age and weight must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a legal requirement for every driver carrying young children.

The term “appropriate” is key here. It means the car seat must be the right fit for your child’s size, weight, and age, and it must meet federal safety standards. The goal is to ensure the restraint system can do its job effectively in the event of a sudden stop or a collision. Following these guidelines is one of the most impactful things you can do to prevent serious injury.

Car Seat Rules by Age and Weight

Missouri law sets clear benchmarks for when a child needs to be in a car seat or booster seat. It’s important to pay attention to both age and weight, as your child will move through different stages of protection as they grow.

Here are the specific requirements:

Children under 4 years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must be in an appropriate child safety seat.
Children ages 4 through 7 who weigh at least 40 pounds must use a child safety seat or a booster seat until they are at least 80 pounds or 4’9” tall.

Once your child turns 8 or surpasses 80 pounds or 4’9” in height, they can legally use the vehicle’s seat belt. However, safety experts often recommend keeping them in a booster seat until the adult seat belt fits them correctly.

Exceptions and Legal Nuances to Be Aware Of

Laws vs. Best Safety Practices

It’s important to remember that the law often sets the minimum standard for safety, not the gold standard. While following Missouri’s statutes will keep you compliant, safety experts frequently recommend practices that go above and beyond these legal requirements. For example, the law may permit a child to switch to a forward-facing seat at a certain age, but the safest approach is to keep them rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of their car seat. Think of the law as your starting point. The ultimate goal is to provide the best possible protection, and that often means using each stage of car seat for as long as the manufacturer’s limits allow.

When Missouri Car Seat Laws Don’t Apply

While the rules apply to most passenger vehicles, there are a few specific situations where they don’t. The most common exception is for children riding on a school bus. School buses are designed with a different safety system called “compartmentalization,” which uses closely spaced, high-backed, and padded seats to protect passengers in a crash. You may also find that the laws don’t apply in certain for-hire vehicles like taxis, though it’s always best to bring your own seat if possible. If you’re ever in an accident and have questions about how these laws apply to your situation, getting clear legal guidance is a crucial step in protecting your rights.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failing to follow Missouri’s car seat laws can result in fines and legal trouble. A driver can be ticketed and fined $50 plus court costs for each child who isn’t properly secured. While the fine itself isn’t huge, it’s a reminder of the seriousness of the law. More importantly, the real cost of not using a car seat correctly is the risk of your child suffering a severe injury in a crash.

If you are involved in an automobile accident and your child is not properly restrained, it can complicate legal and insurance matters. Law enforcement takes these violations seriously because they know that proper restraints save lives. Ensuring your child is buckled up correctly on every ride is the best way to avoid fines and, more importantly, protect them from harm.

Car Seat Violations as a Primary Offense

It’s important to understand that Missouri treats car seat violations seriously. Not following the law is considered a “primary offense,” which means a police officer can pull you over solely for an improperly restrained child. You don’t need to be speeding or have a broken taillight; the car seat violation itself is enough reason for a traffic stop. This rule underscores how critical proper child restraint is for safety. Law enforcement isn’t just looking to write tickets—they’re actively working to prevent tragedies on the road. Knowing this can help you remember to double-check your child’s seat before you even start the car, ensuring every trip is a safe one.

Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you are pulled over for a car seat violation, you can be ticketed and fined up to $50 plus court costs for each child who is not properly secured. While the financial penalty is a concern, the legal implications can become much more significant if you’re involved in an automobile accident. However, there is a bit of good news. In many cases, the court may drop the charges if you can prove that you have obtained and correctly installed the appropriate car seat before your scheduled court hearing. This gives you a chance to correct the mistake and prioritize your child’s safety, which is the ultimate goal of the law.

Are There Medical Exemptions?

The law uses the phrase “appropriate for the child,” which provides some flexibility for unique situations. This language acknowledges that a standard car seat might not be suitable for a child with specific medical needs or physical challenges. However, this is not a loophole to avoid using a car seat altogether.

If your child has a medical condition that you believe prevents them from using a conventional restraint system, you should consult your pediatrician. A doctor can provide guidance on specialized restraints and give you the necessary medical documentation to present if you are ever questioned. In these rare cases, safety is still the priority, and the goal is to find the best possible way to secure your child in a vehicle.

The Statistics: Why Proper Car Seat Use is Critical

Following the law is one thing, but understanding the real-world reasons behind it can make all the difference. The rules for car seats aren’t arbitrary; they are based on extensive research and data about what keeps children safe in a crash. The numbers can be sobering, but they also serve as a powerful reminder of just how much of a protective impact a correctly used car seat has. When we look at the statistics, we see a clear picture of why every strap, buckle, and installation detail matters so much. It’s about giving our kids the best possible defense against the unexpected.

The Reality of Child Passenger Fatalities

The data on child passenger safety is stark and highlights a preventable tragedy. According to recent statistics, a heartbreaking 36% of children who died in automobile accidents were not properly buckled up. This doesn’t just mean they were completely unrestrained; it includes situations where a car seat was used incorrectly—a loose harness, a poorly positioned chest clip, or an improper installation. These details, which can seem small in the moment, are critical for the seat to function as designed. Every time you take a moment to double-check the fit and installation, you are actively reducing the risk and ensuring the safety system can do its job to protect your child.

How Risk Changes as Children Get Older

It’s natural to be extra cautious with a newborn, but it’s crucial to maintain that same level of vigilance as they grow. Research shows that as children get older, it becomes more common for them to be buckled in incorrectly or not at all. For example, while less than 1% of infants are found to be unbuckled, that number jumps to 13% for children between the ages of 8 and 12. This often happens during the transition out of a booster seat, when a child might meet the legal minimums but the adult seat belt doesn’t yet fit them properly. This trend is a critical reminder for parents to resist the pressure to move to the next stage too soon and to continue enforcing seat belt rules with older kids.

Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Child

Picking the right car seat can feel like a huge decision, but it really comes down to matching the seat to your child’s current age, weight, and height. As your child grows, their safety needs in a vehicle will change. Missouri law sets minimum requirements for each stage, but many safety experts recommend keeping your child in each type of seat for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit set by the manufacturer. This approach ensures they have the best protection available as their bodies develop.

Think of it as a series of milestones. You’ll start with a rear-facing seat for maximum protection, then move to a forward-facing seat with a harness, graduate to a booster seat that uses the car’s own seat belt, and finally, transition to the seat belt alone. Getting each step right is one of the most important things you can do to protect your child in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, even with the best precautions, accidents happen. If you’ve been involved in a collision and have questions about your child’s safety or your legal options, our team is here to help you understand your personal injury claim. Let’s walk through what Missouri law requires for each stage so you can feel confident every time you get in the car.

Infants (Under 2): The Importance of Rear-Facing

For the youngest passengers, the rule is simple: keep them in a rear-facing car seat for as long as you can. This position offers the best possible protection for a baby’s fragile head, neck, and spine in a crash. While Missouri law states that children under four years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must be in a child safety seat, the safest practice is to use a rear-facing seat until your child reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the seat’s manufacturer. Don’t be in a rush to turn them around; their safety is worth the wait.

Toddlers (2-4): When to Switch to Forward-Facing

Once your child has officially outgrown the height or weight limits of their rear-facing seat, it’s time to transition to a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness. This seat is designed to restrain their body and distribute crash forces more safely than a seat belt alone. According to Missouri law, children ages four through seven who weigh at least 40 pounds must be in a child safety seat or a booster. A forward-facing seat with a harness is the correct choice for toddlers and preschoolers who have outgrown their rear-facing seat but are not yet ready for a booster.

Young Kids (4-7): Is It Time for a Booster Seat?

The booster seat years are a critical step toward using a regular seat belt. A booster seat’s only job is to “boost” your child up so that the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt fit them correctly. The Missouri State Highway Patrol clarifies that children who are at least four but less than eight years old, weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, or are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches tall must use a booster seat. Without it, the adult seat belt would ride up on their stomach and neck, which can cause serious injuries in an accident. You can find more details in the state’s official FAQs.

Guidelines for Backless Booster Seats

When it’s time to transition to a backless booster, the focus shifts to ensuring the vehicle’s own seat belt fits your child correctly. According to Missouri law, a child must use a booster seat if they are at least four but less than eight years old, weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, or are shorter than 4 feet 9 inches. The purpose of the booster is to lift them up so the seat belt can do its job. The Missouri State Highway Patrol warns that without this lift, the lap belt can ride up on the stomach and the shoulder belt can cross the neck, which can lead to severe injuries in a crash. A safe fit means the lap belt lies snugly across your child’s upper thighs—not their stomach—and the shoulder belt crosses the center of their chest and shoulder. For more detailed information, you can always review the state’s official FAQs.

Older Kids: Is a Seat Belt Enough?

Deciding when to let your child use just a seat belt can be tricky. Missouri law requires a safety belt or booster for children who are eight years or older, weigh at least 80 pounds, or are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. However, age and weight aren’t the only factors. For the seat belt to fit properly, your child should be able to sit with their back against the vehicle seat, have their knees bend naturally over the edge of the seat, and have the lap belt lie snugly across their upper thighs—not their stomach. The shoulder belt should cross their chest and shoulder, not their neck or face.

Your Guide to a Perfect Car Seat Installation

Choosing the right car seat is only half the battle; installing it correctly is what truly keeps your child safe. A properly installed seat can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Taking the time to get it right provides critical protection for your little one on every trip, whether you’re going down the street or across the state. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, our team is here to help you understand your rights and next steps. You can always contact us for a consultation.

A Step-by-Step Installation Guide

The best place to start is with the manuals. Before you do anything else, sit down with both your car seat’s instruction manual and your vehicle’s owner manual. These guides are your primary source of truth. They’ll show you exactly where to place the seat and how to secure it. Make sure the harness slots are positioned correctly for your child’s height and weight, following the car seat’s specific guidelines. A secure installation can significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash, so it’s worth double-checking every step.

Are You Making These Installation Mistakes?

It’s easy to make a mistake without even realizing it. Some of the most common errors include not getting the seat tight enough in the car or setting the wrong recline angle for rear-facing infants. A car seat shouldn’t move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back when you pull on it at the belt path. Another frequent mistake is using both the vehicle’s seatbelt and the LATCH anchors at the same time. Most car seats are designed to be installed with one or the other, but not both. Always check your manual to be sure.

LATCH vs. Seat Belt: Which Should You Use?

You generally have two options for securing a car seat: the vehicle’s seatbelt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. One isn’t necessarily safer than the other—the safest method is the one you can use to get a correct, tight installation every time. Your car seat’s manual is the ultimate guide here. It will tell you which method to use and provide detailed instructions. Some seats may have different weight limits for the LATCH system, so it’s important to know when you might need to switch to the seatbelt as your child grows.

How to Perform Regular Safety Checks

Even if you feel confident in your installation, getting a second opinion provides valuable peace of mind. We highly recommend finding a local car seat check station or a certified child passenger safety technician to look over your work. These experts are trained to spot common and not-so-common installation mistakes. They can teach you how to install your specific seat in your specific vehicle and answer any questions you have. Performing these checks regularly ensures your child stays safe as they grow and as you adjust the seat.

Essential Car Seat Safety Tips

Installing a car seat is one thing, but using it correctly every single day is just as important. Small adjustments can make a huge difference in your child’s safety. By focusing on a few key details, you can feel confident that your little one is as secure as possible for every ride, whether you’re heading to the grocery store or on a family road trip.

How to Properly Position the Harness

A snug harness is your child’s first line of defense in a crash. For rear-facing seats, the harness straps should come from slots that are at or just below your child’s shoulders. Once you switch to a forward-facing seat, you’ll move the straps to be at or just above their shoulders.

No matter which way they face, the chest clip should always be at armpit level. This keeps the shoulder straps properly positioned. To check for tightness, use the “pinch test”: after buckling your child in, try to pinch the harness webbing at their collarbone. If you can pinch a horizontal fold, it’s too loose. You can find helpful visual guides to ensure you get it right every time.

Is Your Car Seat’s Recline Angle Correct?

For infants, the recline angle is about more than just comfort—it’s essential for keeping their airway open. If a rear-facing seat is too upright, a baby’s head can fall forward, potentially obstructing their breathing. Most car seats have a built-in level indicator to help you find the perfect angle, which is typically between 30 and 45 degrees.

If you’re having trouble achieving the right recline in your vehicle, check your car seat manual. Some manufacturers allow the use of a rolled towel or pool noodle to help. However, you should never add anything to your car seat without confirming it’s approved by the manufacturer. Getting this angle right is one of the most important installation steps.

Why Bulky Coats and Car Seats Don’t Mix

In cold Missouri winters, it’s tempting to buckle your child in while they’re wearing a puffy winter coat. Unfortunately, this is a serious safety risk. In a collision, the force of the impact will compress the fluffy padding of the coat, creating a large gap between your child and the harness. This extra space can be enough for a child to be ejected from their seat.

Instead, dress your child in thin, warm layers like fleece. After you’ve buckled them in securely, you can lay their coat or a blanket over them. This keeps them warm without interfering with the harness. It’s a simple switch that makes a world of difference for their safety.

When Is It Time for a New Car Seat?

Car seats don’t last forever. The plastic and other materials degrade over time, which is why every seat has an expiration date printed on it—usually on a sticker or stamped into the plastic shell. You should also replace your car seat after a moderate to severe crash. Even if you don’t see any visible damage, the stress of the impact could have created hairline fractures that compromise its integrity.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers guidelines for reuse after a minor crash, but when in doubt, it’s always safest to replace it. And if you’ve been in an accident, our team at the Law Office of Chad G. Mann can help you understand your rights and next steps.

Where to Find Car Seat Help in Missouri

Even with the best instructions, installing a car seat can feel like solving a complex puzzle. You’re not alone if you feel uncertain about whether you’ve done it correctly. The good news is that Missouri has several free resources available to give you peace of mind. From certified technicians to local safety groups, you can get expert help to ensure your child’s seat is installed perfectly, keeping your little one as safe as possible on the road.

How to Get a Free Car Seat Inspection

One of the best ways to confirm your car seat is installed correctly is to have it checked by a professional. Across Missouri, you can find free car seat inspection events and stations where trained experts will look over your installation. They can spot common mistakes and show you how to fix them. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, many parents are unaware of how to install seats properly, which makes these checks so valuable. You can find child passenger safety events in your area where professionals will make sure everything is secure, giving you confidence every time you drive.

Find a Certified Technician Near You

For one-on-one guidance, finding a certified child passenger safety technician is a great step. These individuals have undergone extensive training and are experts in all types of car seats and vehicle models. They can teach you the proper installation methods for your specific seat and car, answering any questions you have along the way. As Consumer Reports notes, getting an expert check is crucial because so many seats are installed incorrectly. Taking the time to find a certified technician or a car seat check station in your area ensures your installation is correct and your child is safe.

Can the Missouri Highway Patrol Help?

Did you know your local law enforcement can also be a resource? The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers assistance to parents who need help with their car seats. Trained officers can help you with the installation process and ensure it meets all safety standards. For example, if you’re in the St. Louis area, you can call Troop C Headquarters at 636-300-2800 to set up an appointment to have a child car seat installed by an officer. Check the local troop headquarters in your area to see what services they offer. It’s a reliable and free way to get expert help.

Connecting with Local Child Safety Groups

Sometimes, the best support comes from your community. Local safety groups and organizations often host workshops and events focused on child passenger safety. These groups provide a friendly environment where you can learn from experts and connect with other parents who have the same questions and concerns as you. Since many parents aren’t aware of the finer points of car seat installation, these community resources are incredibly helpful. Connecting with local safety programs can provide you with the education and support you need to feel confident in your child’s safety on the road.

State and Local Assistance Programs

Missouri is committed to helping parents keep their kids safe, and there are many state and local programs designed to do just that. Across the state, you can find free car seat inspection events and stations where trained experts will look over your installation. They are skilled at spotting common mistakes and can show you exactly how to fix them. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, many parents are simply unaware of how to install seats properly, which makes these free checks so incredibly valuable. Taking a few minutes to visit one can give you the confidence that your child is as secure as possible for every ride.

Additional Safety Resources

For more personalized guidance, finding a certified child passenger safety technician is a fantastic step. These individuals have undergone extensive training and are experts in all types of car seats and vehicle models. They can teach you the proper installation methods for your specific seat and car, answering any questions you have along the way. Local safety groups and organizations also often host workshops focused on child passenger safety, providing a friendly environment to learn from experts and connect with other parents. You don’t have to figure this out on your own; take advantage of Missouri’s free resources and get expert help to ensure your child is safe.

Extra Safety Rules for Peace of Mind

Following the specific laws for car seats is the first step, but true safety involves a few more best practices. These extra rules help cover situations the law might not specify, giving you more confidence that your little ones are protected on every ride. From where they sit in the car to what you do on long trips, these tips will help you cover all your bases. If an accident does happen, knowing you took every precaution can provide peace of mind. Should you need guidance after a collision, our team is here to help you understand your personal injury rights.

Why the Back Seat Is Always Safest

There’s a good reason you see so many “baby on board” signs on back windows. The back seat is simply the safest place for a child to be. In fact, the Missouri State Highway Patrol notes that federal safety experts recommend all children under 12 ride in the back. The main reason is that it puts them as far away as possible from the force of a frontal collision, which is the most common type of crash. It also keeps them clear of front airbags, which deploy with enough force to seriously injure a small child. So, whenever possible, make it a non-negotiable rule: kids ride in the back.

Juggling Car Seats: Tips for Multiple Kids

Juggling multiple kids and car seats can feel like a game of Tetris. If you have three children who need to be in the back, it can be a tight squeeze. The priority is ensuring each child has the correct restraint. If your car doesn’t have a lap and shoulder belt for a middle seat, preventing the use of a booster, the Highway Patrol says a child can use just the lap belt. However, it’s always best to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific guidance on car seat placement. If you’re struggling to make it all fit, consider visiting a car seat inspection station for professional help.

How to Travel Safely with a Car Seat

Before you hit the road, especially for a long trip, it’s smart to double-check your child’s car seat. The Missouri Department of Transportation emphasizes that you should always ensure your child is in the correct seat for their age, size, and weight. Give the seat a quick wiggle test to make sure it’s still installed tightly, and check that the harness straps are snug. If you’re traveling by plane, look for an FAA-approved car seat to use on the flight. And remember, never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for a minute. These small checks can make a big difference in keeping your family safe.

Why You Should Register Your Car Seat

When you buy a new car seat, one of the most important things you can do is fill out and mail the registration card. This ensures the manufacturer can contact you directly if there’s a safety recall. Many parents don’t realize how crucial correct installation is, and a recall could alert you to a serious defect. It’s also a great idea to keep the car seat manual in your glove box along with your vehicle’s manual. That way, if you ever need to reinstall the seat or make an adjustment, the instructions are right where you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child is tall for their age. Should I move them to the next car seat stage based on their size or their age? This is a great question because it comes up so often. The safest approach is to keep your child in their current car seat stage for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the seat’s manufacturer. For example, even if your child is old enough to face forward, you should keep them rear-facing until they max out the seat’s height or weight limits for that position. The age and weight minimums in the law are just that—minimums. Maxing out the limits of each stage provides the best protection.

Is it safe to use a second-hand car seat I got from a friend or a garage sale? It’s best to avoid using a second-hand car seat if you don’t know its complete history. A car seat that has been in a moderate to severe crash, even one with no visible damage, may no longer be safe. You also can’t be sure if it has been cleaned with harsh chemicals that could weaken the materials or if it’s missing important parts or labels. Since plastic also degrades over time, an older seat may not hold up in a collision. Your child’s safety is worth the investment in a new seat.

When can my child legally ride in the front seat in Missouri? While Missouri law doesn’t specify an exact age for moving to the front seat, all national safety experts, including the CDC and NHTSA, strongly recommend that children ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old. The primary reason is safety from the front passenger airbag, which deploys with a force that can cause serious or fatal injuries to a child. The back seat is always the safest location for young passengers.

My car is older and doesn’t have the LATCH system. Can I still install a car seat safely? Absolutely. A car seat installed correctly with a vehicle’s seat belt is just as safe as one installed with the LATCH system. The key is getting a tight, secure fit. Your car seat manual will have detailed, step-by-step instructions for installing it with a seat belt. If you feel unsure, this is a perfect time to visit a certified car seat technician who can walk you through the process and double-check your work.

What should I do if my toddler constantly tries to unbuckle their chest clip? This can be incredibly stressful, but it’s a common phase for curious toddlers. First, make sure the harness is snug enough using the “pinch test” and that the chest clip is at armpit level, which can make it harder for them to move. Remain calm but firm, explaining that the buckle keeps them safe. If you have to, pull over safely to re-buckle them. Consistency is key. You can also try offering a special toy that they only get to play with when they are buckled in correctly.

Missouri Car Seat Laws 2025: What You Need to Know