Bringing your newborn home is one of the most exciting moments of parenthood, but it also comes with a great responsibility—keeping your baby safe, especially when it comes to car travel. According to studies, a staggering 93% to 95% of parents make at least one error when installing or positioning a car seat for a newborn:
- Harness: 68% of parents adjust the harness too loosely
- Retainer clip: 33% of parents place the retainer clip too low
- Harness slot: 28% of parents use the incorrect harness slot
- Recline angle: The seat is set at an incorrect recline angle
- Seat belt: The seat belt is used but not locked
- Spacing: The spacing between the car seat and the vehicle front seat is incorrect
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Here’s everything you need to know about newborn car seat safety to ensure your little one is secure and comfortable.
1. Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Newborn
The first step in car seat safety is choosing the right one for your baby. For newborns, rear-facing infant car seats are the safest option. Look for a seat that meets current safety standards and is appropriate for your baby’s weight and height. Infant car seats are specifically designed to provide the best support for a baby’s head, neck, and spine, which are still developing in the first few months of life.
2. Install the Car Seat Correctly
Proper installation is key to car seat safety. Follow these steps to ensure your newborn’s seat is installed securely:
- Use the back seat: The safest place for your baby’s car seat is in the back, away from active airbags. The middle seat is ideal, but either side is safe as long as the seat is installed correctly.
- Read the manual: Every car seat and vehicle is different, so it’s important to follow the installation instructions provided by both your car seat and vehicle manuals.
- Check for a tight fit: The car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back once installed. Use either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH system, whichever is compatible with your car seat.
3. Position Your Newborn Correctly
Your baby’s position in the car seat is just as important as the seat’s installation. Follow these tips to ensure proper positioning:
- Strap placement: The harness straps should be at or just below your baby’s shoulders for rear-facing seats. The chest clip should be placed at armpit level.
- Tight harness: Make sure the harness is snug, with no slack. You should not be able to pinch any extra webbing between your fingers.
- Head support: Use the car seat’s included head support, or if allowed by the manufacturer, a rolled-up receiving blanket on either side of your baby’s head to prevent slumping.
4. Avoid Bulky Clothing
While it’s tempting to bundle your newborn in warm clothing during colder months, bulky items like puffy jackets or thick blankets can interfere with the harness system. Instead, dress your baby in thinner layers and place a blanket over the harness after they’re secured in the seat. This ensures the straps fit properly and keeps your baby both safe and warm.
5. Check Expiration Dates and Recalls
Car seats have expiration dates, typically between 6 to 10 years after manufacture, as the materials can degrade over time. Always check the expiration date on your car seat and register it with the manufacturer to receive notifications about recalls. Never use a car seat that has been in a crash, as it may have unseen damage.
6. Schedule a Car Seat Inspection
If you’re unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly, many communities offer free car seat inspection services. Certified technicians can ensure your seat is properly installed and answer any questions you may have. Check with local fire departments, hospitals, or car seat safety organizations to find an inspection station near you.
7. Make Rear-Facing a Priority
Keep your newborn rear-facing for as long as possible, as it provides the best protection for their developing neck and spine. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children remain rear-facing until they outgrow the height or weight limits of their seat, typically around age two or older. Rear-facing seats distribute crash forces more evenly, reducing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
8. Never Leave Your Baby Unattended
While it may be tempting to let your baby nap in their car seat after a long drive, it’s important to never leave your child unattended in a car seat, whether in or out of the car. Car seats are designed for travel, not for sleeping or prolonged sitting, and leaving a baby in a car seat outside of the vehicle can pose suffocation risks.
Conclusion
Newborn car seat safety is an essential part of keeping your baby secure as you begin your journey together. By choosing the right car seat, ensuring correct installation, and following safe travel practices, you’ll help protect your little one every time you hit the road. Remember, a properly installed and used car seat can be the difference between life and injury, so take the time to double-check everything before every trip.
P.S. If you’re pregnant and have found yourself wishing there was a “cheat sheet” for helping you prepare for the arrival of a newborn… you’re in luck! We’ve created exactly that. We’ve taken our 10+ years of experience (and the feedback from HUNDREDS of moms in our classes) and compiled the Ultimate Newborn Checklist.
It includes helpful advice and checklists on topics including:
- Newborn Essentials
- Nursery Checklist
- Big-Ticket Items (worth the investment)
- Pre-Baby Self Care
- Hospital Bag Must-Haves
- Postpartum Care and Preparation
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