How You Can Set up Infant Car Seat Correctly - By: Diane Boyne

Whoever thought it is easy to install an infant car seat, think again. You might think that the instruction manual will provide step-by-step instructions which are easy to follow. Practically speaking, there are several factors that you need to consider while installing the seat. Research has shown time and again, that every three seats out of five are improperly installed. These statistics are alarming and if you are concerned about the safety of your child, this guide will tell you how to install a seat for an infant.

Remember that car seats for infants are always rear facing, and experts recommend that this should be so for as long as possible. There are recommended ‘maximum rear facing height and weight limits’ and these should be followed. Also the middle part of the backseat of your car is the ideal and the safest for your child’s seat. Once the child reaches the height and weight limits of rear facing seats, then he/she can sit facing forward. In spite of this, the middle part of the vehicle’s rear seat is the best place for the child as far as safety is concerned.

The second factor to consider while installing the seats for infants is the instruction manual for the seat along with the vehicle’s manual. If you do not have the manuals, you can call the toll free numbers for the vehicle as well as the brand of car seat you have purchased. A simple search on the internet is also useful in giving these numbers.

Most cars manufactured post 2002, have the LATCH system for seat safety. This stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This system makes the car seats safer, because by using it the seat is permanently attached to the vehicle instead of using unsafe belts to attach the seats to the vehicle. Many auto dealers also help install the LATCH system, in case your car does not have one, so try contacting your car dealer for the same.

For forward facing seats it is recommended that the seat is flat against the bottom and the back of the vehicle’s seat. Most manuals will also give you the recommended angle of recline for both rear and front facing car seats, so do follow the same. You can push the seat with your hand or knees and use your weight to remove the gap, if any, left under the seat.

The belts should be threaded correctly through the slots in lieu of the LATCH system. The belt should not slack and should be pulled as tightly as possible. The recommended position is that the car seat should not be able to move more than an inch forward, backward and sideway on the belt path.

You can even use locking clips to ensure that the seat belts are held in place firmly. These locking clips are available in most children’s stores. After the installation is over, you need to check if the seat resists forward, backward and sideways motions. If it does, then you may need to reinstall the car seat.

About the Author

Whenever you carry the car seat outdoor, it's best to use choosing car seat covers to protect your child. For a complete buyers guide and suggestions, stop by infant car seats.

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