How to Properly Install a Baby Car Seat

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the best baby car seat is "the one that fits your child's size, is correctly installed, and is properly used everytime you drive. Keeping that in mind making sure your baby's car seat is installed properly is something every parent needs to know how to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read the owners manual for your baby's car seat and follow their guidelines for proper installation of the car seat. Be sure the car safety seat is installed tightly. If you can move the seat more than an inch side to side or front to back, it’s not tight enough. Also attach the latch system. It attaches to the back of your seat. This information can be found in your car's owner manual.

2. Infant's should be in a rear facing seat until they are 12 months and 20 pounds. And baby's car seats should never be placed in the front seat of the car. If your baby's head flops forward you will need to recline the seat as much as possible. It may even be necessary to wedge something under the base of the car seat. In my own experience I have found that a swimming pool noodle works perfectly.

3. If you are using a convertible seat in the rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is routed through the correct belt path. Check the instructions that came with the car safety seat to be sure.

4. Make sure the straps are snug on your baby and the top clip is at about the armpit level.

5. Have your seat installation checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. You can find CPS technician by calling 866-SEATCHECK or logging on to the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov

[Felicia822]

on 3/6/2009 Very helpful! 5*