Car Seat Installation Tips

Which is the safest car seat for my child? The truth is that the best and safest seat is one that is appropriate for your child’s height and weight, fits your vehicle correctly, is installed properly, and is used properly, every time you travel in the car. Certified child safety technician and founder of Tot Squad , Jennifer Beall Saxton, provides us with five important tips for installing a car seat.

Tip #1 – Harness Height: 

The harness straps should be adjusted to the appropriate level based on your child’s shoulder height. When using a rear-facing infant or convertible seat, the harness straps should be at or just below their shoulders. If your child is forward-facing, the harness straps should be at or just above the child’s shoulders.

#2 – Harness Tightness: 

Once the child is buckled, ensure the harness straps are not twisted and that the buckles are not sticky or grimy. When secured, you should not be able to pinch (vertically) more than one inch of harness fabric.

#3 – Chest Clip: 

The chest clip should be at armpit level when buckled.

#4 – Height of Headrest: 

When using a rear-facing infant and convertible seat, there should be at least an inch from the top of the car seat to the top of the child’s head. In a forward-facing seat, the top of the child’s ears should not be above the car seat shell.

#5 – Crotch Buckle: 

Make sure there is no excess space between the crotch buckle and the child’s body. With small newborns, an infant insert or small rolled blanket should help make sure there is no excess space between the body and the crotch buckle. As your child grows, they may be more comfortable if the crotch buckle is snug in FRONT of their body, not under it.

Safe travels!

Tot Squad comes to the rescue of busy parents and caregivers by providing the care, safety and installation of their baby gear in both retail settings and at home. For more detailed information, visit thetotsquad.com.