Changes to federal regulations for infant car seats
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — New federal safety rules are in the works that would require tougher testing for child car seats, specifically focusing on dangerous side-impact crashes.
For years, car seat manufacturers have touted their products’ side-impact protection features, but there’s never been a national standard to back those claims. That’s now changing.
A new federal regulation will soon require car seats to be tested in a simulated side-impact crash to better protect children during those types of collisions.
“Previously, the car seat regulations were only looking at frontal impact protection,” said Emily A. Thomas, PhD, Consumer Reports Auto Safety Expert. “But now they’ve been updated to also focus on side impact protection, which is great because we know that there is a high risk of injury and fatality with side crashes.”
While it’s not yet clear when the new regulation will officially take effect, experts say parents don’t need to panic.
“The new regulation doesn’t mean you need a new car seat,” Thomas added. “Your current car seat is already tested to a tough standard and will keep your child safe.”
Consumer Reports conducts its own independent crash testing for car seats, often going beyond the federal standards. That includes testing how easy each seat is to install and how well it fits across a variety of vehicles.
If you’re in the market for a new seat, experts recommend checking the packaging or the manufacturer’s website to see if the seat meets the new side-impact testing standards. According to the manufacturer, the Clek Liing, Consumer Reports’ top pick for infant car seats in 2025, complies with the new safety standard.
To make sure your child is protected on every car ride, Consumer Reports recommends:
- Routinely checking your car seat installation to ensure it’s tight
- Making sure your child is properly harnessed
Helpful Resources:
You can also watch for updates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as the implementation timeline becomes clearer.
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