Did they use car seats in the 60s and 70s?
But pretty much until the late 60s & early 70s, most kids drove around like this:
… babies rested in “car beds” like this one from 1961:
When were car seats invented?
Infant car seats designed for safety didn’t come under consideration until the late 1960s, after concerned physicians and parents started pressuring auto manufacturers for improved safety features for children on seats and many other types of baby gear.
In the 1970s, the focus of car seat design shifted towards safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States began setting standards for child safety seats, including guidelines on how they should be secured in cars.
Back then, the use of baby car seats and toddler boosters wasn’t widespread — and, of course, not nearly as safe as what regulations require today (most failed Consumer Reports crash testing back in the day), there was a growing market for their use.
Baby car seats from the 1980s & 1990s
Over the years, these safety standards have become more stringent, with features such as five-point harness systems, side-impact protection, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems becoming commonplace.
Many more models of forward- & rear-facing vintage auto safety seats were introduced in the 80s and 90s, including the built-in safety seats, and carrier-style seats that snapped into a base that was kept in the car.
Early toddler booster seats from 1967
When it comes to safety seating, General Motors doesn’t leave anybody out
Buy a new GM car and you get seat belts for every passenger position. And extra seat belts are just the start of the many new safety features we’ve added.
For example, we’re making available that little people’s seat. It’s specially designed by General Motors and it’s sure to make any family outing just that much more relaxing and enjoyable.
At night, new side marker lights and parking lamps that operate with your headlights let other cars see yours better. As you know, all of our cars provide the assurance of passenger-guard door locks… on every door. And, most important, the GM-developed energy-absorbing steering column is standard on all models.
DON’T MISS: See how moms used weird baby window cages & other ‘interesting’ child containment devices way back when
Vintage 1970s car seats for kids (1971)
1. Molded all-purpose infant car seat
Use indoors too, as feeding or TV chair. Thickly padded head support. Light blue molded polypropylene protective outer shell and pedestal base. shell has “port holes” for adult seat belt. 1-1/2-in. nylon parachute-style straps. Serofoam polyurethane padded. Seat pad removes for cleaning, — $19.98
3. Gran-Prix baby car seat
Contoured style. Serofoam polyurethane padded headrest. 2-in. Serofoam seat, back are vinyl-covered. Chrome-plated tubular steel frame. 11/2-in. nylon parachute-style strap. — Black snake look / Black — $15.98
4 The Rover baby car seat
Yellow and white vinyl-covered seat and back. 2-height Serofoam polyurethane padded headrest; 2-1/2-inch thick Serofoam padded seat, back. Chrome-plated tubular steel frame. 1-1/2 -inch nylon shoulder strap. $13.98
5. Plastic Steering Wheel for baby car seats
Fits all car seats on this page except (1). $1.89
Announcing GM’s new Love Seats for those you want to protect.
Reclining Infant Car Seat (GM “baby bucket” car seats from 1973)
General Motors has developed two new seats especially for the small fry. We call them Love Seats, and they’re designed to be used in conjunction with your car’s seat belts.
For children who weigh less than 40 pounds, and who are less than 40 inches tall, there’s the Child Love Seat. It’s made to protect the child while giving him freedom of movement for his arms and legs.
There’s the Infant Love Seat for babies under 20 pounds. It has adjustable shoulder straps that gently support the infant within the protective contours. The inclined surface provides added support for the head and the back. And the “facing-the-rear” position gives an added measure of protection.
MORE: See how different antique baby carriages & old-fashioned strollers used to be
GM Love Seats are easy to use. They’re made of lightweight, high-impact polypropylene padded with urethane foam. They’re portable and can be conveniently stored in the trunk.
But most important, they’re the result of years of testing by General Motors safety engineers. If there are children you want to protect, you can buy a Love Seat through your local Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac or GMC Truck dealer; or just fill out the coupon below.
Besides getting a GM Love Seat, you’ll be getting peace of mind.
Child seats recommended for use in 1968 through 1973 passenger cars built in the USA and equipped with rear seats. (Except vehicles with truck chassis.)
Infant car seats from Sears in 1979
Rear-facing car seat for infants up to 20 pounds – Bobby Mac Car Seat for infants and toddlers – Strolee Wee Care – Travel Guard Car Seat
Baby car seats in the 80s (1981)
Vintage car baby safety seats from 1983
Collier “Safe and Sound” car seat: Use from birth through toddler years (children to 40 Ibs.). Infants (to 20 lbs. or 26 in. tall) face backward in a reclining position. Toddlers face forward in an upright position.
Seat secured by a car seat belt and adjustable restraining harness — no tether strap necessary. Padded safety shield. Off-white polyethylene body. Brown vinyl covers polyurethane foam padding.
Vintage car baby safety seats from 1983
90s infant, baby and toddler car seats (1992)
Dodge Caravan minivan with built-in child seats (1992)
Vintage 1993 Chrysler Mini-Van mini-seats built-in carseat
1993 Ford Aerostar minivan with integrated child safety seats
Vintage Chevrolet Lumina minivan with integrated child seat (1996)
7 Responses
I am looking for this style car seat to purchase, would you be able to help with this project?? Thank you Desiree Ryan
I am looking for the Century seat mid 80’s
One of my earliest memories was of sitting in an all-metal car seat with a little steering wheel. It was a miracle I survived to adulthood…
I’m looking for a Strolee We care car seat. I’m willing to trade my early 70’s black car seat for it!
As it happens.. That’s me in the GM carseat in 1967. My dad was a model for a few years but my mom couldn’t get me to smile that day..only my dad. So my mom is in the photo instead of my dad. Luckily she is Beautiful, then and now.
Forgot to link the outtake photo… As proof you know..
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTPyOA8gJir/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
That is so cool! You looked like such a sweet kid. 🤩 Thank you for sharing.