Anyone know the carseat regulations for infants in USA???

[chilledmama]

I'm travelling to NY next week with my DS and will be getting a 'transfer' from JFK to Manhattan. What are regulations for carseats??

I'm bumping my own message cause I know my original probably wasn't at the best time of day for those in US but might get a response over night [crossed fingers emoticon]

Basically I have a MaxiCosi Cabriofix and want to know if that meets US regulations for infant car travel?

Hope some can help. Thank you

Hi chilledmama;

Hope this isn't too late for you.

I'm sure your car seat will be fine. Just use the LATCH attachments, & infant/child must be in the back seat, not the front. Also, must be BOTH 20 pounds AND a year old to be facing front. Under 1 year old, he'll be facing the rear of the car.

More details here. The site is official (it's the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and will tell you everything you need to know.

You must have a carseat. Taxi drivers may take you without one but, legally, they shouldn't (& knowing NYC taxi-drivers, I would definitely have one)

A baby must face backwards until they are 1yr old and weigh 20lbs.

I don't know your car seat, but having googled it, it looks as if you'll be ok fitting it with a 3-point seat belt. Taxis are unlikely to have LATCH, so I wouldn't worry about that.

HTH

Actually, each state has different car seat laws in the USA. For example a child has to be 4 years old and weigh 40lbs before they can ride in a booster style seat in my state. However, it is legal to ride in the back of a pick up truck from the age of 12 (which I always quote to people who tell me that because my son isn't 40lb he shouldn't be in a booster seat - despite the fact that the booster is designed for 30lb and over!).

If you are happy with your car seat and you are bringing it with you then surely it will be safe in the USA too. I don't think that you will be arrested for allowing your son to travel in a foreign car seat!