Bringing your baby home is one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—moments of parenthood. One of the first things on your to-do list? Make sure your infant’s car seat is installed safely and correctly.
A child should ride in a rear-facing car seat until the age of two or until he or she meets the height and weight limit of the seat. Installing a car seat can be complicated and confusing, but it is crucial to ensure that your child has a safe ride.
Why Rear-Facing Is the Safest Option
Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a baby’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.
Babies and toddlers have relatively large heads and developing neck muscles. If they’re facing forward during a crash, their head can be thrown forward with great force, putting enormous strain on their neck and spine. The rear-facing position helps cradle your baby’s body and distribute the force of the impact across the entire seat.
While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear-facing until at least age 2, it’s ideal to wait as long as possible based on the seat’s limits for the most protection.
If you’re worried about not seeing your baby while driving, try a baby-safe car mirror so you can glance at them through your rearview mirror.
Before Installing the Car Seat
Proper and safe installation starts before you ever install the car seat. Here are a few tips and to-do’s to ensure a smooth installation process.
Make Sure the Car Seat Is Safe
Buying a new, high-quality car seat is generally worth the investment to ensure safety and peace of mind.
Some parents opt to reuse the same seat from a previous child or get a used one from a friend or family member who is no longer using it. A used infant car seat is generally not recommended unless you can verify the complete history and ensure the seat is not expired, recalled, or involved in a crash.
Even if the history is verified, check for any car seat recalls and examine the seat closely for damage or wear. If you have any doubts at all, err on the side of caution and get a new seat.
If cost is an issue, there are community organizations that offer grants, discounts, or free car seats to parents and caregivers in need.
Make Sure It’s the Right Seat for Your Little One
Choosing a seat that matches your baby’s current age, weight, and height is the first step toward safer travels.
Rear-facing infant seats typically support babies from around 5-40 pounds, and up to about 32 inches in height (though this can vary slightly by brand and model)
Every baby and car seat is different, so compare the car seat’s specifications to your baby’s most recent measurements. Keep an eye on those growth spurts so you can plan to transition to a new seat when the time comes.
If your baby is a preemie or has specific developmental needs, there are car seats that accommodate low birth weights or have extra inserts for head and body support. Talk to your pediatrician or early intervention team to find a seat that fits your baby’s unique needs.
Review Important Documentation
Every car and infant car seat is a little different, so it’s important to read through both your car seat manual and vehicle manual to understand the safest setup. It’s easier to do this ahead of time rather than in the middle of the process when you’re already frustrated or confused.
These important documents will explain key things like:
- Where the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) anchors are located in your vehicle.
- How to properly route a seat belt if you’re not using LATCH.
- Which seats are safest or approved for infant car seats.
- How to adjust the recline angle of the car seat.
- How to position the harness straps correctly.
If you’ve misplaced either of these documents, many manufacturers have free PDF versions on their websites that you can download, or you can reach out to their customer service team.
Find a Good Time
Most parents and experts will tell you that installing a car seat is a little tricky, especially the first time (or even the third). It’s best to plan or schedule the installation when and where you’re in the right headspace and not rushed.
- Don’t start the installation when you have somewhere important to be. It almost always takes longer than expected.
- Avoid installation during times of high emotions or stress, such as right after work or an appointment. You want to be calm and focused.
- Check the forecast to find a time when the weather will cooperate with you. No one wants to be shivering or sweating the whole time.
- Minimize distractions and disruptions. Consider asking a loved one to watch other children or pets while you’re tackling the car seat installation.
- Enlist a helper who can hold the seat steady, double-check positioning, and offer encouragement if you’re feeling frustrated.
- Plan to install the seat well before your due date. That way you’re not rushed if something unexpected happens and you can check one thing off your to-do list.
Find a Flat Location
Find a spot where your car is parked on a flat, level surface. This ensures that the seat’s recline indicator gives you an accurate reading, which is especially important for newborns.
You want to avoid installing when parked on hills or steep driveways. The uneven surface can throw off the angle and compromise safety.
This is especially important if you live in a hilly area or your home happens to be on an incline. You may need to plan to visit a nearby park or store with a flat, even parking lot.
Step-by-Step: Installing a Rear-Facing Car Seat
The safest car seat is one that’s installed correctly—tight, at the right angle, and in the right spot in your vehicle. The good news? You can do this with just a few clear steps.
Watch the following video for an easy, step-by-step guide on installing rear-facing car seats and follow our steps below.
1. Pick the Right Spot in Your Car
The back seat is the safest place for your child. Ideally, you want to place the car seat in the center of the back seat, which is the furthest away from airbags and impact zones in the event of a crash. If that’s not possible, either side is still safe if the seat is installed correctly.
2. Choose Your Installation Method
You’ll use either the LATCH method or the seat belt method. You’ll want to refer to your car seat manual and vehicle manual to determine the best option for your specific situation.
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children): These are built into most newer vehicles and car seats.
- Seat Belt: This is a perfectly safe option, especially in cars that may not have LATCH.
While both are acceptable options, don’t use both at the same time unless the car seat instructions say it’s allowed.
3. Install the Base (If Applicable)
If your seat has a detachable base, that’s the first part you’ll want to install.
- Place the base on the vehicle seat.
- Connect using either the LATCH or seat belt method.
- Press down firmly and tighten the strap or belt. You may have to use your full body weight and have a helper for this part to keep things steady.
- Once secured, check for movement. The base should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
4. Check the Recline Angle
Most car seats have a built-in level or indicator to help you get the angle just right. Newborns need to be reclined enough to keep their airway open.
Adjust the base if necessary to get a proper angle. Again, check the manual for your specific car seat.
5. Attach the Seat to the Base
If using a base, simply click the seat into place. Make sure it’s secure and double-check all connections.
If your car seat installs without a base (common for some models), follow the instructions for belt path routing and secure as tightly as possible.
6. Do a Safety Check Before You Hit the Road
Once your car seat is installed, do a safety check before driving. Here’s what to look for:
- The car seat doesn’t move more than 1 inch at the belt path.
- The recline angle is within the correct range.
- The harness fits snugly with no slack in straps or bulky clothes
- The chest clip is at armpit level.
Go through this list every time you load your little one into the car, especially if you’ve transferred the car seat to another vehicle.
Need Some Help?
Your child’s safety is important! Don’t be shy about asking for help.
Many local fire stations, police departments, and health care facilities offer free car seat checks to ensure everything is installed properly. You can find one near you on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Schedule a Car Seat Inspection
For more information about car seat safety, watch the video below and connect with our team of early childhood experts.
For more information about car seat safety, watch the video below and connect with our team of early childhood experts.
