Your infant car seat will be part of countless trips during your baby's first year, from the first ride home from the hospital to everyday errands and family adventures. Taking time to learn how to use your car seat properly can help you feel more prepared each time you hit the road. This guide focuses on infant car seats (those made for newborns, infants, and babies and are rear-facing only), not multi-mode or forward-facing car seats. You'll learn how to do a simple car seat safety check, including what to do before your baby arrives, how to prepare for your first trip home, and what to re-check before everyday outings. Why Car Seat Safety Is Important Car seats are designed to help protect children in the event of a crash, but proper use is an important part of that protection. According to the CDC, car seat use can reduce the risk of injury in a crash by 71% to 82% for children. While all car seats sold in the U.S. must meet the same federal safety standards, a car seat can only perform as intended when it is installed and used correctly. A loose installation, an improper harness fit, or accessories that were not made for the car seat can all affect how it functions. The good news is that many common car seat mistakes are easy to avoid when you know what to look for. Infant Car Seat Safety Checklist: What to Do Before Your Baby is Born Getting to know your infant car seat before your baby arrives can help make those first days a little less hectic. A few simple steps now can give you time to learn how your car seat works, practice using it, and feel more confident when it's time for your baby's first ride. 1. Read the Car Seat Manual and Labels Every car seat model has its own features, requirements, and instructions, so one of the best places to start is the product manual. The labels on your car seat also contain important information about proper use. Pay close attention to your car seat's height and weight limits, rear-facing requirements, and harness positioning guidelines. These details can help you understand how the seat should fit your baby and when adjustments may be needed as they grow. It's also important to review your vehicle owner's manual. Most vehicle manuals include information about installing a car seat in your specific car. Taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with both manuals can make the installation process much easier. 2. Register Your Car Seat Before installing or using your car seat, take a few minutes to complete the registration process. Car seat registration links your product to the manufacturer so they can contact you if there is a recall or an important safety notification. All car seats include a registration card in the box, and many manufacturers offer online registration options. The process is typically quick and only requires some basic information about you and your car seat. 3. Install the Car Seat Installing your infant car seat before your baby arrives gives you time to get comfortable with the process and make adjustments if needed. Many parents choose to install their car seat during the third trimester so they're ready when it's time to head to the hospital. As you install your car seat, remember: Choose one installation method. Infant car seats can be installed using either the vehicle seat belt or the Lower Anchors and Tethers (LATCH system). Both methods are secure when used correctly. Do not use both at the same time unless specifically instructed in your car seat manual. Use the correct recline angle. Your car seat's recline indicators can help you achieve the angle recommended for your baby's age and size. Proper recline is important for supporting a newborn's head and airway. Install the car seat in the back seat. Infant car seats should always be installed in a vehicle's back seat according to the car seat and vehicle manufacturer's instructions. Check for movement. Once installed, the car seat should not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back when tested along the belt path. Review your work. Double-check that all installation steps in both the car seat manual and vehicle owner's manual have been followed. Most car seat manufacturers also offer instruction videos for their car seats on their websites. These are excellent resources for parents installing a new seat for the first time. 4. Practice Using the Harness Before your baby arrives, practice using your car seat’s harness. It’s pretty simple, but learning how to do this early on can help you feel more prepared. Try using a doll or stuffed animal to practice the basics: Buckling and unbuckling the harness Tightening and loosening the harness straps Positioning the chest clip correctly Adjusting the harness for a proper fit As you practice, refer to your car seat manual for guidance on harness adjustment and positioning. Using Your Infant Car Seat for the First Time You’ve spent months preparing, and now your baby is finally here! Before heading home from the hospital or setting out on your first family outing, take a few moments to review your car seat setup. A final car seat check can help ensure everything is ready for the road. Double-Checking Installation Every time you use your car seat, take a few minutes to confirm everything is set up correctly. Make sure the car seat base is securely attached and locked into place, and that it moves less than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to back. If you’re installing your car seat without the base, the seat should not move more than 1 inch in either direction once installed. Confirm that the car seat is installed at the proper recline. Most Infant Car Seats provide bubble levels or level indicators to help guide the proper angle. Always install your child’s car seat according to the manufacturer's instructions, and ensure that any recline indicators show the correct position for a newborn. Verify that the lower anchor connectors or vehicle seat belt are properly attached. Buckling in Your Baby Next, secure your baby into the car seat. Make sure you: Place your baby in the seat with their back flat against the car seat. Position the harness shoulder straps at or just below your baby's shoulders. Inspect the harness straps to ensure they are lying flat and are not twisted. Fasten the crotch buckle and chest clip, and tighten the harness webbing to be snug around your baby’s hips first. Move the chest clip to armpit level. Tighten the harness until it is snug and passes the pinch test, meaning you cannot pinch any excess webbing at the shoulder. This helps keep your baby positioned correctly in the car seat throughout the ride. Visiting a Child Passenger Safety Technician Even after reading your car seat and vehicle manuals (and maybe watching a few installation tutorials), it's normal to have questions. Consider visiting a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for extra guidance. CPSTs are trained professionals who can help you verify that your car seat is installed and being used correctly. For many families, this extra step provides peace of mind. Car Seat Safety Tips for Every Ride A car seat safety check isn't just for your baby's first trip home. Building a habit of reviewing a few key details before each ride can help ensure your infant car seat continues to fit and function as intended as your baby grows. Check the installation before using. Confirm that the car seat remains securely installed and moves less than 1 inch side to side or front to back at the belt path. Check the harness fit every time. Make sure the harness is snug, the straps are positioned correctly, and the chest clip is at armpit level. Use only approved accessories. Stick to accessories, inserts, and replacement parts specifically designed for your car seat by the manufacturer. Remove manufacturer accessories, such as newborn head and body support, when your baby meets the weight or height requirements. Pay attention to expiration dates and recalls. Stop using a car seat that is expired, has been recalled, has been involved in an accident, or shows signs of structural damage or excessive wear. Follow your car seat's height and weight limits. Once your baby reaches the limits of their current seat, transition to the next appropriate car seat. Keep your child rear-facing for as long as their car seat allows. Follow your state's car seat laws. Requirements vary by state, so it's important to stay up to date on the rules where you live and travel. Skip bulky clothing. Thick coats and other bulky layers can make it difficult to get a snug harness fit. Dress your baby in thin layers and place a blanket over the harness after they are buckled in if additional warmth is needed. Find the Right Car Seat With Chicco Car seat safety starts with choosing a seat that fits your child and using it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Chicco offers a range of car seats designed to support families through every stage and trip. Explore our car seats today to compare features, find the right one for your needs, and get ready for your next adventure together.