How do I use a car seat for my new baby?

As parents, we all look forward to the exciting milestones in our children’s lives: crawling, first steps, first day at preschool, and more. We’re eager to see them growing and developing, and proud when they’ve mastered new skills.

However, transitioning your child from rear-facing to forward-facing, or car seat to booster seat, are not milestones we should rush. These have nothing to do with your child’s development and everything to do with their safety. While it’s common to think that switching them will make things easier – “Won’t I be able to talk to my child easier if they are forward-facing? Is my child getting car sick from facing the back?” – the truth is that it does not. Your child will be just fine staying put until it’s truly time to transition him, and you could potentially save his life in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of death by up to 71% [ Safe Kids ]! 

According to the US Department of Transportation Safety Administration,  between 250 to 350 children’s lives are saved each year with child restraints  [ NHTSA ]. Unfortunately, many parents are not installing car seats safely or are transitioning their children too soon, especially in the 2 – 6 year age range when forward-facing and booster seats come into play [ NHTSA via Parents ].

Is My Second-Hand Car Seat Safe [ NHTSA ]?

Car seats and boosters can get a little pricey – after all, they do utilize the best technology and materials to keep our little ones safe – but be careful before accepting a used car seat. Here are few things to check for:

  *NOTE: If you answer ‘NO’ to any of these, the car seat is not safe to use:

1.    Has the car seat been in a moderate to severe car crash?

2.    Is your car seat expired (check the label for an expiration date OR the manufacture date – any car seat 6 years and older should not be used). If you cannot find a label, do NOT accept the seat.

3.    Does the car seat have any recalls? (Use the model number on the label to search.)

4.    Are any parts broken or missing? Note: You might be able to get replacement parts from the manufacturer.

5.    Do you have the instruction manual OR access to it online or through the manufacturer? You need this for proper installation instructions. If it is no longer available, the car seat is probably expired.

Types of Car Seats by Age and Weight ( American Academy of Pediatrics )

 


Newborns, Infants, & Young Toddlers 

Type of Safety Restraint – Rear-facing only & rear-facing convertible car seats.

When to Transition to Forward-Facing – When your child has reached the highest weight AND height requirements listed in the manual or on the car seat label.

 Older Toddlers & Preschoolers

Type of Safety Restraint  – Forward-facing convertible & forward-facing harness.

When to Transition to Booster Seat – Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat as long as possible. Transition only when child has reached: 

1) Max height or weight requirements (many go up to 65 pounds).

2) Your child is mature enough to sit upright in a booster without leaning over or removing the seat belt while driving. 

*Most children should not transition to a booster until age 5.  DO NOT transition if your child is younger than 4 years old or weighs less than 40 pounds .

 School-Aged Children 

Type of Safety Restraint  – Booster seat.

When to Transition to Seat Belt Only – Most children transition out of a booster seat between ages 8-12. The seat belt should sit correctly at the right height – typically when your child is about 4 feet, 9 inches tall. 

Older Children

Type of Safety Restraint  – Lap AND shoulder seat belt.

All children younger than 13 should sit in the back seat. Seat belts that sit across the lab and go across their body offer the best protection. If possible, adjust the seat belt so it lies across the child’s shoulder and not his neck or throat (otherwise, continue to use a booster). 

How to Install Your Car Seat or Booster Seat

Follow the directions in your manual. If you are unsure, most fire departments or police departments will help you free of charge. Give them a call to see if they provide this service.

Important Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe

·   Make sure the chest buckle sits at armpit level.

·    If you can pinch together any slack, gently tighten the harness.

·   Ensure the belt correctly follows the belt path without any twists or crimps.

·   Remove any bulky coats or clothing before placing your child in the car seat.

·   Check the manual for proper adjustments/levels for rear-facing vs forward-facing. Many have a built-in leveling tool to help you.

·   When possible, the middle seat is the safest place for your child’s car seat.

·   Use the LATCH system or a locking seat belt during installation.

·   Do  NOT add padding to the seat under your baby (other than what came with the car seat), but you  CAN add tightly-rolled receiving blankets in the crotch area, around your baby’s head, or on the sides of your baby to support newborns and keep them from slouching. (See example at  Healthy Children.org .)

For more questions about car seat safety or installation concerns, consult a local Child Passenger Safety (CPST) provider.