Car seat basics
Your baby’s first car ride can be a nerve-wracking experience. To transport your precious passenger safely, follow these safety seat tips. Read both the child safety seat instructions and the vehicle’s owner’s manual for correct use and installation of your child safety seat. Have the seat installation inspected prior to your baby’s first ride.
INSTALL Anchor the rear-facing child safety seat in place using your vehicle’s safety belts or LATCH system. Your child safety seat should not move more than 1 inch side to side or front to back when checked at the belt path.
ANGLE Your rear-facing child safety seat should be reclined no more than 45 degrees so your baby’s head stays in contact with the seat and your baby’s airway stays open.
POSITION Place your baby in a rear-facing child safety seat in your vehicle’s backseat. He will need to remain rear-facing until he is at least 1 year of age and at least 20 pounds. Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in front of a passenger air bag.
ADJUST Use the harness slot that positions the straps even with or below your baby’s shoulders. Make sure that the harness straps are snug enough to pass the “pinch test.” You should not be able to pinch extra webbing at the shoulder.
ALIGN The chest clip should be placed at your child’s armpit level every time. If your child safety seat has a carrying handle, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper positioning during travel.
INSPECT Take your vehicle to a local police department or child safety seat inspection center; certified experts will make sure your child safety seat is installed properly. To locate an inspection center near you, visit
nhtsa.gov.
