Car seats come in a variety of styles. An infant car seat is a seat that is rear-facing. It is often sold in combination with a stroller and is removable from the base installed in the car. It typically includes a handle for easy carrying.
Installing an infant car seat is a critical safety task and is best done well before you expect your baby to be born. Not only does early installation provide you with plenty of time to have the installation inspected, but it also ensures you're installing in haste should your baby arrive early.
Step 1
Determine where you will place the base for the infant car seat. The safest location is between the two back seats, though this can be difficult for shorter parents to reach if you have a large car or one that is high off the ground. Look in your car and locate the appropriate anchors on either side of the seat belt area. You typically do not need a tether attachment for an infant car seat unless your model specifically notes this in the instructions.
Step 2
Take the car seat out of the box and read the instructions fully and carefully. Many infant car seats also come with an accompanying DVD that you can play to better understand its features and installation process.
Step 3
Place the base in the back seat of your car. Attach the LATCH anchors. Some LATCH anchors click in--you'll hear an audible click when you attach correctly.
Step 4
Kneel on the base and tighten the LATCH straps to ensure the base is locked into the car as tightly as possible.
Step 5
Place the infant car seat in the base without your infant in it. Most bases include a display on the side that indicates whether the seat is tipping too far forward or back. Look at the display and modify the base attachment until the display indicates the infant car seat is in an appropriate position for your baby.
Step 6
Remove the infant car seat. Launder the cover in allergenic detergent. Let it dry overnight. Attach it to the plastic car seat. Loop the harness through the slots appropriate for your baby. Typically, the lowest slots are appropriate for newborns. Use a doll to practice placing your baby in the car seat and attaching the harness. The harness clasp should not go above your baby's armpits.
Tips and Warnings
- In 2002, the federal government instituted a system called Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH). This system helps make car seat installation safer for your child. Your center seat may not have anchors, as many middle seats are not LATCH-compliant. Infant car seats are appropriate for children up to 1 year of age or 30 lbs. Many parents find a mirror that reflects their rear-facing infant into the rear-view mirror helps to check on their baby while they are driving. Have your car seat inspected by a certified professional. Most fire houses have an inspector available and will inspect it for you if you make an appointment.
- Never place an infant car seat in the front seat, especially if your car has air bags.
