Once we know our due date is coming up, it is important to make sure that your baby’s car seat is properly installed.  One way you can get it checked over is by going down to a police or fire station.  Since your little one will be so little when they come home from the hospital it is important that you take some precautions and that you consider some tips for having a rear-facing car seat.  What do you need to know?  Continue reading below to find out!

Rear-Facing Car Seat Tips:

• Your baby should be rear-facing in their car seat until they are at least 20 lbs AND at least one year of age.
• They should stay rear-facing for as long as they can.
• The harness straps should be at or below their shoulders.
• Also, the harness straps should be snug and not loose whatsoever.
• You should fasten the harness clip at armpit level.
• Make sure you put the car seat handle downward.
• Recline your child’s car seat at a 45 degree angle for safety.
• The back seat is the safest place for children under 12 years of age.
• You never want to put an infant in the front seat with an airbag on the passenger side unless you’ve turned off the manual switch for the airbag.
• Lastly, when your child outgrows their infant seat you will want to replace it with a convertible car seat which should be used rear-facing as long as possible as well.

There is a lot to know when it comes to child car seats.  It’s important to know how to install a car seat, how to use it properly and which kind you need for your child.  For extra tips on car seats be sure to check out our car seat blog.  Our blog covers everything from pregnancy to car seats to baby tips!