How to Install a Car Seat Correctly
By National Safety Council
The safest place to install the seat is in the center of the rear seat, or the center seat in a van or
station wagon. If you have a passenger-side air bag, never place a rear-facing seat in the front
seat. However, if your car doesn't have an air bag or shoulder belt in the back seat, as most cars
built before 1988 don't, some safety experts think the front seat may be the safest place for
children who weigh 40 to 60 pounds (about ages four to eight) and sit in booster seats.
Even the best seat may need modifications for proper positioning in some cars. A car seat can't
be installed safely when the lap and shoulder belt are mounted to the doorframe because it won't
tighten around the seat. Ask your car dealer if you need an "attaching belt," which is threaded
through the car seat. (For more information on adapter parts, call the Auto Safety Hotline at
800/424-9393.) Here are the steps for installing your seat successfully:
- Read your car seat and vehicle manuals to make sure you understand the mechanics of
installing the seat. If the information isn't clear, call the automaker, the safety-seat manufacturer,
or both.
- Make sure the car's seat belt is threaded through the correct slots.
- If your seatbelt only becomes taut when you hit the brakes, you'll need to use a locking clip.
This metal clip comes with all new car seats, attaches to the lap/shoulder belt, secures the car
seat, and limits the movement of the seat belt.
- Slide the clip onto the belt and position it 1/2 inch from the latchplate buckle.
- Check to make sure the seat is secure and resists side-to-side motion. If you can still tip the car
seat forward or sideways more than an inch or so, you may need to buy a top-tether strap from
the car dealer or safety seat manufacturer.
- Once the seat is installed, be sure you know how the baby's buckle system works. You can
loosen and tighten the straps with the harness adjustment lever.
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