with additional peace of mind during a stressful time .
Identify which direction you ’ ll need . New parents have two options when it comes to car seats : infant car seats , which are rear-facing only and convertible car seats , which can be rear and forward facing . The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) recommend children use rear-facing car seats until they exceed the height , weight or any other fitment requirements of the specific car seat . Your car seat manuals will help identify these requirements .
Multiple considerations for multiples . If you ’ re expecting multiples , you ’ ll want to consider a car seat that can fit babies under 5 lbs so they remain safe and secure .
Additional questions to consider :
1 . Will the car seat fit in my vehicle ? 2 . Is it easy to install multiple times ? 3 . How easy is it to clean and maintain ?
4 . Does it work with your lifestyle – e . g . does it fit into the stroller you use every day ?
5 . If it doesn ’ t click into a stroller , is it easy to move around between vehicles ?
6 . Does the car seat come with a warranty ?
7 . Does the seat pass chemical compliance testing ?
8 . If using an older car seat , what is its expiration ?
How to Install Your Car Seat
Always read the manual first . Your car seat manual will identify the proper weight ranges for your baby , the right direction to place the seat – depending on weight and height
– among other important instructions . Your vehicle manual is another great resource for details specific to your car ’ s make and model .
Conduct a full inspection . Make sure your car seat , booster seat , or seat belt is in good condition and appropriate for your child ’ s age , height , weight and developmental levels .
Know the right location . It ’ s important to place the car seat or booster in an appropriate location in your vehicle . For example , if you regularly parallel park , you ’ ll want to take baby out on the curb side of the road and not the street side , so your car seat should be installed appropriately . The rear center is generally the safest location in most vehicles .
Ensure correct installation . Again , the car seat manual is the best source of guidance . Firm installation is key – it ’ s important to make sure there ’ s less than 1 in . of movement left to right and front to back in the belt path .
Additional installation questions to consider :
1 . Can you achieve a proper recline once the seat is installed for your baby to maintain an open airway ?
2 . Does proper installation interfere with the driver seat or passenger seat ?
Ensure proper harnessing : Again , a snug harness is key . For rear-facing seats , the harness should be at or below your child ’ s shoulder . For forward-facing seats , the harness should be at or above your child ’ s shoulder .
Important considerations for any car seat :
• Always register your car seat . This is vital to make sure you ’ re notified in the event of a recall .
• Also , parents should never purchase or use a used car seat if you do not know its history – e . g . if it ’ s has been involved in a cash , has missing pieces , etc .
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