We know there’s a lot to prepare before your baby comes home, but safety deserves a spot at the top of the list. From babyproofing your home to installing a car seat, these steps help create a safer and less stressful start. Not sure where to begin with choosing and installing a car seat? We’ve got you covered.
Recommendations by age
Child passenger laws vary slightly state by state, but using the correct car seat could save your child’s life. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says children should stay rear facing as long as possible. This is because rear-facing seats provide the most support for a young child’s neck and spine. Here are their recommendations for car seats by age:
- Newborn to one year – should always be in a rear-facing car seat.
- One to three years – should remain in a rear-facing seat as long as possible. Once they outgrow the height and weight restrictions, transition your child to a forward-facing seat with a harness.
- Four to seven years – keep your child in the forward-facing seat until they outgrow it. Then, it’s time to move to a booster seat.
- Age eight to twelve – kids no longer need a booster seat when they can use a seat belt properly. This means the lap belt sits across the upper thighs, and the shoulder strap lies snugly across the chest and shoulder.
While some children may reach the seat’s restrictions earlier or later, these guidelines can help you estimate when your child may need to change seats. A federally compliant car seat will have labels indicating the height and weight maximums for your child’s seat. Please refer to the label to know when it’s time to transition your child to a different safety seat.
Shopping for a car seat
The most important tip is to buy a new car seat. Buying a new seat ensures it’s up-to-date with recent improvements and safety standards. This also ensures your seat is not past the expiration date, and that you aren’t purchasing a seat that may have been damaged in a previous accident.
Another essential safety tip: know how to recognize counterfeit car seats. Counterfeit seats are on the rise in the US with third party sellers like Amazon, TikTok Shop, and Temu. Always purchase your car seat from a trusted retailer. You should also check for a manufacturer’s label, height and weight restrictions, and a sticker that says “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.” Many counterfeit seats are missing one or all of these labels. Other warning signs your seat might be fake include a missing registration card or user manual, a price that seems too good to be true, or missing safety features.
Infant seat vs Convertible car seat
There are two types of car seats available for newborns. A rear-facing infant seat is used just in the first year and can be removed easily from the base. A convertible seat starts rear-facing, but can be turned to the front and adjusted as your little one grows up. Choosing a convertible seat may save you money down the road, however you typically can’t remove these seats easily from your car. The convenience of moving your sleeping baby in their seat usually leads parents to purchase an infant seat for the first year (Parents.com).
Installation
Each car seat comes with its own installation manual, and some companies will even direct you to a YouTube tutorial. Make sure to read the manual before you try to install the seat. Since car seat installation is complicated, we recommend learning how your baby’s seat works and installing it a few weeks before your delivery date, so you’ll be ready to go on the big day. It’s also a good idea to keep the manual in your glove box or somewhere easily accessible in case you need it later.
If you’re unsure whether your seat is installed correctly it’s a good idea to have a professional inspection. You can use the NHTSA’s Inspection Station Locator to search for the nearest certified technician, and inspections are free.
Final thoughts
Car seat safety can feel overwhelming at first, but the goal is simple: giving your child the safest ride possible at every stage. By staying up to date with current recommendations, choosing a seat you can trust, and taking the time to install and use it correctly, you’re already doing the most important work. We hope this guide helps you feel a little more informed as you get ready to welcome your baby.
