How to Install a Rear Facing Car Seat Base

Infant car seats that easily snap in and out of a secured base are a popular choice for parents of newborns. Not only does the car seat double as a carrier, but it prevents parents from having to re-install the car seat every time they take their child in the car. When installing a rear-facing car seat base, it is important to make sure that it is installed correctly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that up to 80 percent of car seats are improperly installed.

Things You'll Need

  • Car seat instruction manual
  • Car owner's manual

Instructions

  1. Using the LATCH Anchor System

    • 1

      Determine how you will install the rear facing car seat base in your car. Most cars that were manufactured after 2002 are equipped with the LATCH anchor system which allows the car seat base to be tethered tightly to metal latches in the backseat of your car. If your car does not have LATCH, you'll need to install the car seat base with the seat belt restraint.

    • 2

      Place the rear-facing car seat base in the backseat of your car. Although the middle seat is the safest place for newborns to ride, the middle seats in most cars do not come equipped with LATCH buckles. If you have the option, always opt for the LATCH installation system--it provides the most secure fit for your child's car seat.

    • 3

      Locate the two metal LATCH anchors on either side of your car's rear window seats. The anchors can be found by reaching your hand between the seat cushions. There will be one on each side of the seat--one close to the seat belt and one close to the buckle.

    • 4

      Position the car seat base between the two anchors and hook the attachment that is farthest away from you to your car's anchor system. Put as much of your weight into the seat as possible and attach the second LATCH hook, pulling the straps tightly to ensure that the car seat base is installed tightly.

    • 5

      Try to move the car seat base front, backwards and side to side to ensure that the base is secure. When installed correctly, the base shouldn't move more than a few inches in any direction.

    Using a Seat Belt Restraint

    • 6

      Position the car seat base carefully in one of the rear window seats, making sure that it is facing in the right direction, and thread both the lap and shoulder belts through the "belt path" on the car seat base. If there is a "lock-off" in the center of the belt path, open it up prior to threading the seat belt and make sure that the belt goes underneath the lock-off.

    • 7

      Put your weight into the car seat and tug on the seat belt restraint so that the base is installed tightly and there is no slack in the belt. If the belt isn't locked into place and moves freely, repeat this step until it is secure.

    • 8

      Close the lock-off over both the lap and shoulder belts if present on your car seat base. Do a final check by tugging on the base to ensure that it is installed correctly.

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