How to Place an Infant Seat in a Car

Studies show that many parents do not know how to use their car seat properly and often install the seat incorrectly. Make sure the car seat is pressed securely to the rear seat and there is no slack in the seat belt.
Always remember to first read the manual or instructions for the car seat, as up to 85 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly.

Things You'll Need

  • Car seat
  • Neck and head support
  • Car seat locking clip

Instructions

    • 1

      Read your car seat and vehicle manuals, making sure you understand how to properly install the seat.

    • 2

      Place the baby car seat in the center of the rear seat, as this is the safest place for a baby car seat.

    • 3

      Face babies in a rear facing car seat when they are less than twenty pounds or less than twelve months old.

    • 4

      Use neck and head supports for newborns, whose head may flop side to side.

    • 5

      Place children above twenty pounds; or older than twelve months in a front facing car set.

    • 6

      Fit the car seat flat up against the rear center seat's bottom and back. Push with your hands to make the seat secure.

    • 7

      Check to make sure the car's seat belt is threaded through the correct car seat slots.

    • 8

      Pull the car seat belt as tight as possible. There should be no slack, side to side or forward and back motion. If there is give, unbuckle and repeat the process. Give one last tug to make sure the seat belt locks into place.

    • 9

      Use the new Latch system, where the car seat will strap to a top tether anchor and lower, and side anchorage points. This system makes installing car seats easier and is safer.

    • 10

      Check your vehicle for anchoring system. If your vehicle does not have an anchoring system, check with your local auto dealer for costs and feasibility.

    • 11

      Check to see if your vehicle is LATCH compatible. If the safety seat isn't, a conversion kit can be bought.

    • 12

      Keep seat buckles flat after installing the car seat.

    • 13

      Buckle your child into the seat. Check one last time to insure that the car seat is secure.

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