How should a forward-facing child ride?

Three components determine how a forward-facing child should sit: recline angle, shoulder strap placement, and safety belt/LATCH path.

Recline Angle: Many convertible seats have a recline and an upright postiion. Some seats allow the use of the recline position when the seat is forward-facing, but most require the seat to be fully upright. Regardless, it's best to try to install the seat in the fully upright postion when forward-facing.

Shoulder straps: The shoulder straps must come from at or above the child's shoulders.

Safety belt/LATCH path: The safety belt or LATCH belt should take the path closest to the back of the vehicle seat. For forward-facing, this is usually behind the child's back. The top tether can anchor the head of the car seat to the frame of the vehicle and reduce how much the child's head moves forward by at least 4 inches.