A child’s restraint should fit the child, the vehicle, and the manufacturer’s instructions. Michigan’s child passenger safety rules changed effective April 2, 2025, so an older blanket instruction about all children under four is not a sufficient current guide.

Check the current stages and instructions

The Michigan State Police child passenger safety page describes rear-facing, forward-facing harness, booster, and seating requirements using age, height, weight, and manufacturer limits. It also addresses rear seating for children under 13 when available. Check the full guidance and any applicable circumstances rather than moving a child based on one number alone.

The NHTSA car-seat resource provides selection and installation information. Use both the seat and vehicle instructions and seek a qualified inspection if installation is uncertain.

Do not rely on an unsourced installation statistic

The important question is whether this seat is appropriate and correctly installed, not an old national percentage. Do not assume the middle position is always compatible with every seat or vehicle. Follow the actual instructions and obtain help when they conflict or are unclear.

After a collision, preserve the record

  • Photograph the seat, installation, labels, model and serial information when safe.
  • Keep purchase information, instructions, recall notices, and any inspection record.
  • Discuss preservation before disposal or return if the seat may be evidence.
  • Follow manufacturer and applicable replacement guidance; do not assume a potentially crash-damaged seat is safe to reuse.
  • Keep the child’s medical records and relevant crash information.

Separate safety, liability, and settlement questions

A restraint concern does not automatically establish who caused the collision or every injury. Vehicle, seat, installation, and medical evidence may require separate assessment.

See seat belt and injury claims and settlements for children. Our car accident practice can review the legal questions.

Talk with Logeman & Iafrate

Request a free consultation or call (734) 994-0200 to discuss your situation with our Ann Arbor office. Bring the relevant records and any insurer correspondence. Advice about your claim depends on the facts, coverage, and applicable deadlines.

General information only; this article is not legal advice for an individual case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the old under-four instructions enough?

No. Use the updated state guidance and the seat and vehicle manufacturer instructions.

Should I discard the seat immediately after a crash?

Consider evidence preservation before disposal, while following replacement guidance and keeping the child safely restrained.

‍This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney at Logeman & Iafrate, P.C. for advice regarding your individual situation.