CAR SEAT BASICS

INFANTS

From birth to at least age 1 and 20 lbs.
  • Use a rear-facing car seat correctly in a back seat every time your baby rides in a car.
  • Use the right car seat for your baby’s weight and height. Infants are weighed and measured at every doctor visit, so be sure to keep track.
  • Use the car’s safety belt or LATCH system to lock the car seat into the car. Your car seat should not move more than 1 inch side to side or front to back. Grab the car seat at the safety belt or LATCH path to test it.
  • Put harnesses through the slots so they are even with or below the infant’s shoulders. Be sure the harness is tight, so you can’t pinch extra webbing at the shoulder.
  • Adjust the chest clip to armpit level.
  • Use your baby’s car seat rear-facing and reclined no more than 45 degrees, so the baby’s head stays in contact with the seat and the baby’s airway stays open. Read the car seat instructions.
  • Keep your baby rear-facing until at least age 1 and 20 pounds. Use a rear-facing convertible seat longer if the seat has higher weight and height limits.
  • Find where the frontal airbags are in your vehicle by checking the owner’s manual. Never put a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag.
  • Be sure all occupants wear safety belts correctly every time. Children learn from adult role models.
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Phone: 202-662-0600
Fax: 202-393-2072
www.usa.safekids.org
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