Accidents happen. Sometimes they’re unavoidable, and other times they’re the result of carelessness. Whatever the case may be, you want to make sure your new arrival is as safe as possible. One way to do that is by properly installing a car seat. It can be a daunting task, but with the help of this guide, it’s not so hard. In fact, with a few tips, you should be able to get everything set up in no time at all. So whether you’re a first-time parent or an experienced one, read on for tips on how to place a car seat for newborns.
Why place a car seat for a newborn?
Why place a car seat for a newborn?
When placing your baby in their car seat, make sure that their head is fit correctly in the restraint. The rule of thumb is that their head should be at least 2 inches below the restraint’s highest point. Also ensure that their shoulder and hip bones are lined up with the restraint’s straps. If they are not properly restrained, they could suffer from serious injuries in case of a collision.
Babies should ride in rear-facing seats until they reach weight or height limits set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA suggests waiting until your child reaches 20 pounds or 36 inches in height before moving them to a forward-facing seat. Rear-facing seats protect babies’ heads better in a crash and provide more airbag coverage for the middle of the body.
It is important to keep track of your child while driving. Install an infant car seat monitor so you can see what’s happening in the backseat without having to take off your eye protection or open your window!
How to properly measure a car seat for a newborn
It is important to properly measure a car seat for a newborn before purchasing it. You will need to account for the size of the baby as well as the vehicle’s interior dimensions. Most car seats can be adjusted to fit a variety of different-sized babies, but some brands may have specific measurements that are required in order to use them.
To measure your baby for a car seat, start by positioning them in a seated position with their back against the rear edge of the seat and their feet resting on the floor. Measure around their torso from shoulder to shoulder and then mark that measurement on the car seat’s side panels. Make sure their head is positioned between the upper and lower safety belts, which should be snug but not too tight.
Next, take measurements from side to side along the height of your vehicle’s center console or instrument panel at its farthest point from the driver and passenger seats. Use this information together with your baby’s torso measurement to determine how wide a car seat needs to be in order to fit them correctly. You can also compare infant car seats online or in stores before making a purchase.
How to choose the right car seat for your newborn
When you bring your newborn home, the first thing you will need to do is place them in a car seat. There are many different car seats on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for your newborn.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right car seat for your newborn:
-Make sure that the car seat can be installed in a rear-facing or forward-facing position. This will help protect your child in case of a crash.
-Look for a car seat that has an LATCH system. This system makes it easier to install the car seat correctly.
-Choose a car seat that is lightweight and easy to transport.
-Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before installing the car seat.
How to install a car seat for a newborn
The best way to install a car seat for a newborn is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have those instructions, see our tips below.
To Install A Car Seat For Newborn:
1. Make sure the car seat is properly unfolded and check for any damage.
2. Check for your vehicle’s fitsment requirements and make sure the car seat will fit in the car.
3. Locate your vehicle’s rear-view mirror and adjust it so that you can see the child in the car seat from behind (or from the side if it has a facing mode).
4. Center the car seat on your vehicle by positioning it near or over the wheel well (depending on its size), then press down into the base until it clicks into place.
5. Hook one end of the safety belt around your child’s chest, then pull up on the other end to tighten it against their body [Fig 1].
6. Refer to your carseat’s installation manual if there are any additional steps you need to take, such as buckling or tethering your child in using an infant restraint system (IRS).
How to remove a car seat from a sleeping baby
If your baby is old enough to ride in a car seat, it’s time to remove the old one and install the new one. Here’s how:
1. Check the car seat fit according to your vehicle’s manufacturer guidelines. If the car seat appears too small or too big, you’ll need to make adjustments before removing it from the vehicle.
2. Locate the car seat belt routing slots on either side of the vehicle interior and insert both infant safety belts through these slots while pulling them tight. Make sure they are positioned so that they won’t hit your baby in case of an accident.
3. Use a Phillips head screwdriver or a similar tool to loosen the two screws on either side of the car seat harness clip (1). These screws secure both front and rear sections of the harness together (2). Gently pull apart both sections of harness until they are free from each other (3).
4 Place one hand on each side of baby’s head and lift him/her out of car seat (4). If there is an insert that goes between baby’s back and padding, remove this insert by gently prying it out with your fingers (5). Be extra careful not to pinch baby’s skin or get his clothes caught in any wiring or fasteners. If necessary, use a piece of soft cloth to clean any dirt or debris off baby’s skin before placing him back into his own bed at home.