How to Hook a New Carseat Up in a Old Car

The proper method of securing a child's car seat depends on the type of car seat and age of the vehicle it's going into. Cars and car seats manufactured after September 1, 2002, have the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system installed. Older cars, on the other hand, require alternative methods for securing a car seat without LATCH anchors.

Things You'll Need

  • Car seat manual
  • Vehicle manual (optional)
  • Locking clip (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Review your specific car seat manual carefully for instructions before installing a car seat in an older car. If you have your vehicle manual, review this for car seat instructions before installation.

    • 2

      Place the car seat in the back seat of the vehicle if the car has a front-seat airbag. Placing a car seat in the front seat of a car without an airbag is unsafe, though legally allowed in older cars without airbags.

    • 3

      Adjust the car seat in the location that provides the best fit. The center of the backseat is usually the safest, but may not be the best fit for your specific car seat or car. The seat that provides the most secure installation is the correct placement for a car seat.

    • 4

      Extend the seat belt out fully so it reaches all the way around the car seat. Rear-facing infant seats usually have the lap belt placed over the front of the car seat and the shoulder belt, if any, laying flat on the seat back. A front-facing car seat threads both lap and shoulder straps through holes in the back. Use this method for as long as the child uses the harness straps on the car seat.

    • 5

      Tighten the seat belt after connecting the buckle. Place your knee in the car seat and press down while pulling the seat belt to secure the car seat. If a seat belt with a shoulder harness doesn't automatically lock when yanked quickly, you may need to attach a locking clip that secures the seat belt near the buckles.

    • 6

      Use the tether anchor, if retrofitted, per your specific car seat manual instructions and model of car. Most rear-facing infant car seats don't use the tether, but front-facing convertible and booster seats use the tether for more secure installation.

    • 7

      Check correct car seat placement by pulling it in a side-to-side manner, and look for less than 1 inch of movement. Have a car seat installation technician check your placement if you are unsure whether it's installed properly. It can take a few tries before the seat is installed correctly.

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