NHTSA New Car Seat Safety Regultions

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued new recommendations for childhood restraints (ie. car seats). Pretty much, you are supposed to keep your child in a seat for as long as that seat allows.
From birth to 2 the child is supposed to be in a rear facing car seat. The NHTSA is recommending that you keep your child facing the rear position for as long as possible, until the child has outgrown the height and weight maximum for the car seat. This is particularly important because of the child's fragile spine and neck development. Never put a rear facing car seat in the front seat when there are active air bags. Once the child outgrows the height and weight maximum for the rear facing seat they are ready to move to a forward facing seat (anywhere from 2-3years).
Keep your child in a forward facing seat with a restraint for as long as the seat allows. Meaning once you switch your child to the forward facing position keep them there until they outgrow the seat, which will be around 7 years of age. Once the child outgrows the forward facing seat with restraint they can move onto a booster seat.
Children ages 8-12 should remain in a booster seat in the backseat until a seat belt properly fits them. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Children ages 13 and under should always ride in the back seat.
Always make sure you check your car seat manual and vehicle owner's manual for proper installation and safety information regarding the car seats. You can also visit this link for Child Safety Seat Inspection Site Locator. An absurd number like 98% of car seats are installed wrong. It is extremely important to contact your local police or fire station or visit a car seat inspection clinic to make sure your seat is installed correctly. We went and both of our seats were installed wrong. The clinic will install your seats for you and even give you a new seat if they don't think yours is safe enough.