How to Properly Install a Child's Car Seat

If a child is your most prized possession, then why are so many car seats improperly installed? In this article I will show you the steps to correctly put a car seat in your car.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car
• Car seat
• Child (to fit the straps)

1. 
    
   Rear-facing infant seat

   A child should stay in a rear-facing car seat until he is at least 12 months old and 20 pounds. Generally until their feet are touching the back of the car's seat.

2. 
    
   Padded tray car seat

   Once a child has outgrown the rear-facing infant seat, he can move up to a front facing seat. You can either choose the harness style, or the kind that pulls the padded tray across the child's lap. A child of at least 20 pounds needs to use this kind of car seat until he is 4 years old and at least 40 pounds.

3. 
    
   Booster seat

   Once the child is 40 pounds and 4 years old, he should make the transition to a booster seat. This seat is to be used until 8 years old or generally 60 pounds. This is to ensure that the car's seat belt will be positioned correctly. If he rides without the booster seat, he could suffer from strangulation or abdomen bruises caused by the car's seat belt.

4. 
    
   Adjust the straps before putting the seat in the car

   Before putting the seat into the car, it's a good idea to put your child in it and adjust the straps to fit him correctly. Tighten the straps so you can slip one finger under the straps in any given area. If you are using the harness seat, lean your child forward (as if in a crash) to check that the buckle will not strangle him or hurt his stomach. Right about the breastbone or armpit level is a good place for the buckle to lay across him. Make sure the straps don't get twisted. Do the same for a rear-facing seat.

5. 
    
   Latch locations

   When installing a rear or front facing car seat, you need to use the LATCH system if possible. Cars and safety seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 are compatible with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). The LATCH system is designed to make installation of a car seat easier and safer by attaching it directly to anchors permanently attached to the vehicle instead of using the seat belt to secure it. If your car is LATCH compatible, but your safety seat isn't, you can buy a conversion kit.

6. 
    
   Hold the seat down with your knee

   If you are installing a front-facing car seat, place one knee in it while hooking it to the tethers and anchors to get it as tight as possible. Test this by moving the car seat to either side. If the seat moves more than an inch in either direction, the straps need to be tightened. Thread the car's seat belt through the back of the car seat and lock the belt if possible. If not possible, just pull it as tight as you can.

7. 
    
   Car seat base

   For a rear-facing seat with a base attachment, you should install the base in the car first. Hook it in using the LATCH system and the seat belt, getting the both as tight as possible. Put the child in the carrier seat and adjust the straps making sure they are untwisted and snug. You should be able to fit one finger under the straps in any given place.

8. 
    

   If you are using the carrier seat without the base, you can use the LATCH system if available, but more than likely there will just be a spot for the seat belt to go through over-top of the child's seat. Get the belt as tight as possible and if the seat moves more than an inch in either direction, try to tighten the seat belt more. I highly recommend using the base for the carrier.

Tips & Warnings

• You can place rolled up towels or blankets under the rear-facing base if the child leans too far forward or back.
• The safest place for a child is in the back center seat of the car. Never ever place a child in the front seat, especially if it has an airbag. A car seat cannot withstand the impact of an airbag.
• Always refer to the safety seat's manual.
• Check your state's website for all available laws on safety seats (weights and ages vary)

[youngmother]

on 4/21/2009 This is important info every mother should have!!!! 5*

[hellzian44]

on 4/8/2009 I find placing a child in a car seat to be a waste, I usually switch the child out with any delicate groceries I have and just buckle them in. I get in a 50 MPH head on collision, my watermelon is in one piece :)