According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, only 15 percent of car seats are installed and used properly. Babies under 20 pounds and less than a year old must ride rear-facing in a car seat made for babies. Many parents choose to use an infant car seat to safely transport their young babies. These consist of a base that buckles into the car, and an infant carrier that can be easily removed from and replaced into the base as necessary. When using an infant car seat, it is vitally important that you install and use the seat correctly every time.
Step 1
Read the car seat manufacturer's instructions thoroughly before attempting to install the car seat. Be sure that you understand where to thread the seat belt through the seat, which way the car seat is supposed to sit on the seat and that you are using an appropriate seat belt for the type of seat that you have. Also make sure that your child is within the weight and height requirements for using the seat.
Step 2
Place the entire infant car seat, including the carrier part, into the back seat of the car so that the seat is facing the trunk of the car. Take the carrier part off, and thread the seat belt through the appropriate slots on the car seat base. Fasten the seat belt.
Step 3
Follow your car's manufacturer's instructions to lock the seat belt. In some cars, this consists of pulling the seat belt all of the way out and then releasing it. In others, simply buckling the seat belt locks the belt into position. Some cars will require the use of the locking clip that came with your car seat. Use the clip, if needed, as detailed in the car seat manufacturer's instruction manual.
Step 4
Make sure that the car seat's base is tightly installed. Push and pull it in all directions. The seat should not move more than an inch in any direction. If it does, tighten the seat belt, or if you are using a locking clip, unfasten the whole thing and start again, pulling it tighter next time.
Step 5
Place your baby in the carrier part of the car seat. There should be no more than two fingers' width of space between your baby and the harness straps. Fasten the chest clip at the level of the baby's chest. Make sure that none of the straps are twisted and that all of the buckles are fastened securely.
Step 6
Place the carrier part of the car seat into the base. Listen for a click to indicate that it is securely fastened. Pull on the carrier to make sure that it is fully engaged into the base. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the position of the handle. Some infant car seats are meant to be used with the handle up, and others should only be used with the handle in the lowest position.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have a newer vehicle and a new car seat, you may have the option of using LATCH to install your baby's car seat. Follow the instruction manual carefully if you are using LATCH. Have your car seat checked by a licensed car seat technician if possible. Call your local fire department or police department to find out where you can find someone to check your installation.
- Failure to properly use your baby's car seat could result in death or severe injury. Never use an infant car seat in a front seat with an airbag.
