​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Printable Version

A rear-facing car seat gives ​​the best protection for your baby’s head, neck, and spine in a sudden stop or crash. You can use either an infant (rear-facing only) car seat or a larger, rear-facing convertible seat as long as your baby fits correctly.

Who should be in an infant car seat?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Infant car seats are used rear-facing only. Each infant car seat will include height and weight limits for the use of the seat. You can use either an infant car seat or a larger rear-facing convertible car seat from birth. An infant car seat is easier to take in and out of the vehicle. Use an infant (rear-facing only) car seat only until your baby reaches the seat’s height or weight limits.

How to use your baby’s infant car seat

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​See the printable Infant car seat: How to keep your child safe in the car for information about how to use an infant (rear-facing only) car seat.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Always read your vehicle manual and follow the instructions for your seat.

 

• Place the car seat in the back seat, facing the back of the vehicle.
• Attach the seat using the lower anchors (UAS) or seat belt and tighten. If you use the seat belt, it must be locked.
• The seat should move less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) where it is attached to the car.
• Adjust the seat to recline at the correct angle. Check your instructions.
• Place the handle where the instructions tell you. All seats are different.

• Make sure the harness straps are in the slot level with or below your baby’s shoulders.
• Tighten the harness straps. You should not be able to pinch the harness at the shoulder.
• The harness should be flat with no twists.
• Place the chest clip at your baby’s armpit level.

Helpful tips for using your infant car seat

 

• Install the seat at the most reclined angle allowed for your newborn. Check your instructions.
• Dress your baby in light layers and add blankets over top once they are safely buckled. Bulky coats and bunting bags are not safe for the car seat.
• Do not use items that did not come with your seat.
• Take your baby out of the car seat when you arrive. A car seat is not a safe place for your baby to sleep.
• Make sure your car seat is safe to use.

When is your baby ready for the next car seat?

 

• Check the labels on your seat to find out when your baby will reach the seat’s height or weight limits.
• Once your baby has outgrown the infant seat, use a larger, rear-facing car seat.
• Keep your child rear facing for as long as they still fit the larger, rear-facing seat.