Four out of five car seats are incorrectly used. Could yours be one of them? In addition to the tips below, you can make a car seat fit station appointment to have your car seat(s) checked out by a professional.
- Infants should ride in the car facing the rear until they are at least 1 year old and at least 20 lbs.
- Never place a rear facing car seat in front of an active airbag.
- The carrying handle should be in the down position while in the car.
- Harness straps should be snug against the child's body over light clothing. Use caution in the wintertime when heavy jackets are often needed for outdoor temperatures.
- The chest clip should be at the child's armpit level.
- The seat belt should be in a locked mode for installation of a car seat. (Read vehicle's owner manual.)
- When correctly installed, car seats should not move side-to-side at the base of the seat more than 1 inch.
- Children should be kept in a 5 point harnessed car seat until they are at least 40 lbs or reach the upper weight limit of the harness.
- Children over 40 lbs should ride in a booster seat with a lap shoulder belt until they reach 80-100 lbs.
- Children under 13 years of age should ride in the back seat, away from airbags.
Step-by-step instructions on correct car seat installation.