As caregivers, ensuring your newborn’s safety is always a top priority—especially when traveling in a vehicle. Car seats are designed to provide critical protection in the event of a crash, but their effectiveness depends on proper use. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using your newborn’s car seat correctly, both inside and outside the vehicle, so you can travel with confidence. Why Car Seat Safety for Newborns is Important Newborns are especially vulnerable due to their still-developing musculoskeletal systems, which means they require extra protection when traveling in a vehicle. According to the CDC, a properly installed and used car seat can lower the risk of injury by up to 82% compared to seat belts alone. Rear-facing infant car seats offer the best protection by supporting a baby’s head, neck, and spine in a crash. However, injuries can occur due to improper installation or incorrect harnessing, making it crucial for parents to follow safety guidelines carefully. Safety Tips for Babies in Car Seats: Inside the Car 1. Always Use the Right Car Seat Choosing the right car seat for your baby is important for their safety. Infant car seats and convertible car seats used in the rear-facing position are specifically designed to provide proper support for newborns. Infant car seats offer additional head and body support, along with a recline angle designed to keep a baby’s airway open. It’s important to check the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for weight and height limits to ensure the seat is appropriate for your child. Using a car seat that does not match your baby’s size can compromise their safety. 2. Prioritize Proper Installation & Placement Infant car seats can only be installed rear-facing in the back seat—this is the best position for newborns. Never install a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag, as deployment can cause severe injury. Use the correct recline angle (usually indicated on the car seat or in the instruction manual) to ensure your baby's head does not fall forward, which could obstruct breathing. Secure the seat using either the vehicle’s LATCH system or seat belt (not both) and confirm a snug fit (no more than 1 inch of movement front-to-back or side-to-side when checking at the belt path). If you need car seat installation help, consider visiting a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for personalized guidance. 3. Position, Harness, & Buckle Your Newborn Correctly Proper harnessing is key to keeping your baby secure in a crash. When positioning your newborn, make sure their back is flat against the car seat. The harness straps should be at or below the baby’s shoulders, and the chest clip should be positioned at armpit level. The harness straps should be snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack at the shoulders. Loose straps can put a baby at risk in a crash, so always check the fit before each ride. 4. Avoid Bulky Clothing Dressing a baby in bulky clothing can create extra space between the harness and their body, reducing its effectiveness in a crash. Instead, parents should dress their newborn in thin, warm layers, such as fleece sleepers or onesies, and place a blanket over the buckled harness. 5. Say No to Toys, Mirrors, & After-Market Accessories While it may be tempting to attach toys or mobiles to a car seat for entertainment, these objects can become dangerous projectiles in a crash. Similarly, aftermarket head supports, strap covers, and seat protectors not approved by the car seat manufacturer can interfere with safety and should not be used. Only accessories that come with the car seat or are explicitly approved by the manufacturer should be used. 6. Only Use Infant Car Seat Inserts Made for Your Car Seat Many infant car seats come with removable newborn inserts designed to provide proper head and body support. These inserts should only be used if they are included with the seat and should be removed once the baby reaches the manufacturer’s specified weight or height limit. Never use third-party inserts because they are not crash-tested with the car seat and may interfere with proper harnessing. Car Seat Safety for Newborns: Outside the Car 1. Never Use Your Car Seat as a Sleep Space Car seats are not a safe sleep environment because babies can slump forward in them, which may restrict their airflow. If your newborn falls asleep in the car seat, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends moving them to a flat, firm sleep surface like a crib or bassinet as soon as possible. 2. Don’t Place the Car Seat on Top of a Grocery Cart Grocery cart seating areas do not have ample space or locking mechanisms to secure car seats. Placing a car seat here risks falls that could cause serious injuries. Instead, you can place the car seat in the cart’s main basket or use a wearable baby carrier for hands-free shopping. Some caregivers also opt for travel systems, which are infant car seat and stroller combinations. 3. Never Leave Your Car Seat on Elevated or Soft Surfaces Car seats should always be placed on a stable, flat surface when outside the vehicle. Placing them on soft or elevated surfaces like a couch, bed, or table can lead to tipping and injury. 4. Always Keep Your Newborn Properly Secured Even when stationary or outside the car, always buckle your newborn into their car seat properly to prevent falls or slouching. Keep the harness snug and the chest clip positioned correctly at all times. 5. Don’t Feed Your Newborn in the Car Seat Feeding a baby in a car seat increases the risk of choking because the semi-reclined position is not ideal for swallowing. Additionally, spilled formula or milk can lead to bacterial growth in the car seat fabric, making it difficult to clean. If a baby needs to be fed during a trip, caregivers should pull over, remove them from the car seat, and feed them in an upright position. Find the Perfect Infant Car Seat With Chicco Protecting your newborn in a car seat starts with understanding how to use it properly. Every step, from choosing the right seat to installing it properly and securing your baby snugly, plays a vital role in protecting your baby. At Chicco, we’re dedicated to helping parents navigate these important safety decisions with car seats that combine protection, comfort, and ease of use. To find the perfect fit for your family, explore our top-rated infant car seats or visit the Chicco Baby Talk Blog for more guidance. Car Seat Safety for Newborns FAQs How is a newborn supposed to look in a car seat? A newborn should be securely positioned in a car seat to ensure proper support and protection. Following these guidelines will help keep your baby safe and comfortable during every ride: Back and bottom fully against the seat – No slouching or gaps between the baby and the seat. Head properly supported – Should not tilt forward; use the recline angle specified by the car seat manufacturer. Snug harness straps – Positioned at or below the baby’s shoulders, with no slack (you should not be able to pinch excess fabric at the shoulders). Chest clip at armpit level – Helps keep straps in place for a secure fit. Do newborns need head support in a car seat? Newborns only need head support in a car seat if specified by the car seat manual or recommended by your pediatrician. Most infant car seats have removable newborn inserts that provide head and body support that are safe to use as directed. However, you should always avoid aftermarket head supports or strap covers because they haven’t been crash-tested with the car seat and can interfere with the harness system. How Long Can a Newborn Be in a Car Seat? According to the 2-hour rule, newborns should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours in a 24-hour period to prevent health risks like: Breathing concerns: Prolonged time in a semi-reclined position can cause a newborn’s head to fall forward, potentially restricting their airway and leading to oxygen desaturation. Developmental concerns: Babies need to stretch, move freely, and lie flat to promote healthy spinal and muscle development. Discomfort & fussiness: Extended time in a car seat can cause discomfort and fussiness due to limited movement. If possible, have another adult sit in the backseat to monitor your baby’s posture and breathing. If you plan on taking a longer car trip that will exceed several hours, break it up over multiple days. Are Used Infant Car Seats Safe? Used infant car seats—or any used car seats—may not be safe to use because: Unknown crash history: Even a minor crash can weaken a car seat’s structure, making it unsafe for future use. Expiration dates: Car seats have an expiration date (typically 6-10 years) due to material degradation. Always check the manufacturer’s label for the expiration date before using the car seat. Missing or damaged parts: Used car seats may be missing important components or have damage you cannot see that may compromise safety. Recalls: Some models may have been recalled due to safety defects. Always check for recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. When Should My Baby Be Switched to a Forward-Facing Car Seat? According to the AAP, babies should remain rear-facing until they reach the weight and height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer—rear-facing is the safest position for protecting their head, neck, and spine in a crash. Many car seats have differing height and weight limits, so check your car seat’s manual for guidance. After outgrowing an infant car seat, transition to a convertible or all-in-one car seat, allowing extended rear-facing positions to accommodate a growing child until they reach the appropriate height and weight milestones.