🚗 Michigan Child Car Seat Laws and Recommendations for 2025

Protecting children in your vehicle isn’t just smart; it’s the law. In 2025, both Michigan and federal guidelines emphasize age-appropriate car seat use to reduce injury and save lives. This guide outlines Michigan’s laws, expert recommendations, and helpful product links for parents.

📋 Michigan Child Safety Seat Laws

• Children under age 4 must ride in a car seat in the rear seat (if available).
• If an active airbag is present, the front seat cannot accommodate a rear-facing seat.
• Children under age 8 and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must ride in a child safety seat or booster.

🧠 AAP & NHTSA Safety Recommendations

• Rear-facing: Keep children rear-facing until they reach the seat’s height or weight limit (often age 2+).
• Forward-facing: Use a harness-equipped forward-facing seat until the child outgrows it (usually ages 4–7).
• Booster seat: Use until a seat belt fits properly, typically ages 8–12 or 4’9″ tall.
• Back seat: All kids under 13 should ride in the back for maximum safety.

🧃 Which Seat Is Right for My Child?

🍼 Infants (0–2 years)

• Use a rear-facing infant seat or convertible seat rated for their weight/height.
• Never place it in the front seat with active airbags.

🧒 Toddlers (2–4 years)

• Use a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness.

🧍 Children (4–8 years, under 4’9”)

• Use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt until they meet height requirements.

👨‍👩‍👧 Age 8+ or Over 4’9”

• Use the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt if it fits properly.

🧰 Recommended Car Seats (2025)

 

• 🛞 Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller Combo–Converts from car seat to stroller, ideal for travel and quick transitions.
• 🧷 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Booster Seat–Long-lasting design transitions from harness to booster as your child grows.

📊 Child Car Seat Safety Stats

• ✅ Proper child seat use reduces injury risk by up to 71%.
• ⚠️ Over 70% of seats are used or installed incorrectly.
• 🚸 Nearly half of crash fatalities in kids 14 and under involve no restraints at all.

🔧 Final Safety Tips

• Read both the car seat and vehicle manual.
• Please verify the car seat’s expiration date, which is typically between 6 and 10 years.
• Register your seat to receive recall notifications.
• Visit a certified technician for a free safety inspection.