Skip to main content
Five Point Safety Check For Infant Car Seats

Five Point Safety Check For Infant Car Seats

Car Seats
Whether your infant car seat is the first car seat you’ve installed or the fifth, ensuring you follow the steps below will help you to achieve the safest ride for infant and newborn passengers.

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT FIT

STEP ONE: MANUALS

First, consult both your vehicle manual and car seat manual to check over any installation requirements. Car seat manuals highlight everything that you need to observe before and after a child is seated. You will learn how to position the chest clip properly, adjust harness straps, how to safely use any accessories that are included with the seat and safety best practices. Reading your manual is the first and most important step towards installing a child convertible car seat.

STEP TWO: POSITION

Place the car seat base rear-facing in the vehicle back seat. Choose the seating position that gives the best installation. It’s important to note that car seat installation can differ between vehicles depending on the shape of the back seat and seat belt locations. Although friends and family might recommend the middle seat or the seat behind the driver, the best location will depend on your own vehicle and your family situation.

STEP THREE: LATCH OR SEATBELT?

Make sure LATCH/UAS strap or vehicle seat belt is routed through the rear-facing belt path. DO NOT use LATCH and seat belt together unless allowed by your car seat manufacturer. Either are equally as safe when installed correctly. We suggest you choose the one that gives the best installation.

STEP 4: INSTALL

Install the car seat base tightly in your vehicle. The base should not move more than 1 in. (2.5 cm) from side-to-side or front-to-back when checked at the rear-facing belt path. Attach the carrier to the base and check that it is properly secured.

STEP 5: STRAP UP!

Harness straps MUST be at or just below the top of your child’s shoulders. Tighten the harness securely. Place the chest clip at armpit level.

Download a version of this fit guide

Share