Selecting and using the most appropriate car safety seats for growing children: guidelines for counseling parents. American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention

Despite the existence of laws in all 50 states requiring the use of car safety seats or child restraint devices for young children, many children continue to be killed each year while riding in motor vehicles. Pediatricians and other health care professionals need to provide up-to-date, appropriate information for parents regarding their car safety seat choices and use. This policy statement discusses current recommendations based on the latest research and the factors parents should consider before selecting and using a car seat.

Published by Pediatrics, 1996. The guideline itself is at the source linked here.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8628627/