Infant Car Seat Laws in Massachusetts

One of the first items expectant parents purchase is an infant car seat and Massachusetts parents are no different. Long gone are the days when newborns rode home from the hospital cradled in their mother's arms, as it is now a Massachusetts law that every infant be properly restrained in a car seat. In fact, hospitals often will not release a newborn without an approved car seat. Installing a car seat properly appears straightforward but in reality, takes quite a bit of strength and agility. To this end, local police and fire departments have clinics to install your infant car seat safely and properly. Please note that it is not advisable to purchase a second-hand car seat unless you can be sure it has not been involved in a car accident, even a minor fender-bender. When a car seat has sustained a blow, it needs to be replaced, as it's safety features have been compromised.

  1. Rear-Facing Infant Carrier Seats

    • When selecting a car seat for your infant, you have many styles to choose from, but know that the Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Law states you do need one. Consider the rear-facing infant carrier seat if you want to move your child from the car without disturbing her. This style of car seat snaps into a base that is installed in the car and has a built-in carrying handle. Infants in Massachusetts may legally use this type of car seat until they reach 20 pounds and 26 inches long. It is ideally suited for the newborn-to-6-month period.

    Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seats

    • Choosing a rear-facing convertible car seat gives you the flexibility of using the same car seat until your toddler is ready for a booster seat. While you no longer have the flexibility of moving your child about in his car seat, you save money by forgoing the need to purchase another car seat when he outgrows his infant car seat. According to the Massachusetts CPS Law, while newborns can safely sit in this seat, it is generally recommended for infants from 6 months and up. The law further states that this seat, in it's rear-facing position, is appropriate for infants up to 30 pounds. The top of your infant's head should be at least 1 inch below the top of the car seat back.

    Forward-Facing Car Seats

    • According to Massachusetts law, older infants may ride in a forward-facing position when they reach 1 year of age, provided they weigh more than 20 pounds. The guideline states that the top of the infant's shoulders should always remain below the top of the harness restraint to maximize safety. Different brands of car seats are made differently, so this guideline is specific to your child's height. When your infant gets too tall, you will need to find another brand of car seat to accommodate her.

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