If you didn’t know already as many as 3 in 4 car seats are improperly installed in some way. These could be minor or major issues, but they all have one thing in common – they aren’t properly installed. The whole reason our child has a car seat is to make sure they are safe while riding in the car. So make sure your car seat serves its purpose by installing it correctly.
Facing the Seat – Baby car seats can be faced toward the rear of the car or toward the front of the car. Children less than 20 lbs AND under one year of age should have a rear facing car seat. After one year of age and once a child is over 20 lbs, the car seat should be installed facing forward.
Restraint Type - Some cars have a latch system installed that is compatible with a car seat latch system. Other cars have standard seat belts. Some car seats are not latch system compatible. Check your car seats owner’s manual to determine if it is latch compatible. A latch compatible car seat has adjustable straps with clips at the ends that will attach to latch bars in a latch compatible car. Car seats that are not latch compatible will have a space built into the frame of the seat to slide a standard seat belt through.
Place the Baby Car Seat – Based on the age and weight of the baby, place the baby car seat on the car seat facing either the forward or rear of the car. Baby car seats should always be placed in the back seat of the car. If a back seat is not available, a baby car seat can be placed in the front seat, but only if there is NOT an active air bag for that seat. An airbag can kill a baby or child. Make sure to deactivate an airbag before installing a baby car seat in front of it.
Strap the Baby Car Seat in Place – Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a baby car seat. If there is a latch system, clip the appropriate latches to their appropriate car latch bars, and tighten the straps until the car seat does not move when pulled. If there is not a latch system, pull the car’s seat belt through the car seats open slot in the frame. Pull the seat belt tight. If the seat belt does not lock when you pull on the seat, use an I clip to lock the seat belt in place. Always check the straps for tightness before putting a child in the seat.
If you have any doubts whatsoever on how you installed the car seat be sure to check with your local fire or police station and have it looked over. Your baby’s safety is number one now!
