Bringing a new baby home is exciting, but making sure your infant car seat is installed correctly is an important step before that first trip. A properly installed car seat can help protect your baby in the event of a crash.
If you’re learning how to install infant car seats, keep in mind that installation methods can vary by car seat and vehicle. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific car seat and vehicle, and consider having the installation checked by a certified child passenger safety technician before your baby rides in it.
How to Install Infant Car Seats
Step 1: Read both manuals
Before installing the car seat, read the infant car seat manual and your vehicle owner’s manual. These instructions will explain the approved installation methods, where the car seat can be installed, and how to use the vehicle’s LATCH system or seat belt.
Don’t assume that the installation method that worked for another car seat will work for yours.
Step 2: Choose an appropriate seating position
Infant car seats should be installed rear-facing in the back seat of the vehicle.
Check your vehicle owner’s manual and car seat instructions to determine which seating positions are approved. Although parents sometimes assume the center of the back seat is always the safest location, that isn’t necessarily the case if the car seat cannot be installed correctly there.
Step 3: Choose your installation method
Depending on your car seat and vehicle, you may be able to install the car seat base using the LATCH system or the vehicle’s seat belt.
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. The lower anchors are built into designated seating positions in many vehicles and connect to the corresponding connectors on the car seat base.
Important: You generally should not use both the LATCH system and the vehicle seat belt to install the car seat unless the manufacturer specifically allows this combination.
Step 4: Position the car seat base
Place the infant car seat base in the approved rear-facing position and make sure it sits flat and is oriented correctly.
Use the level indicator on the car seat base to make sure the angle is appropriate for a rear-facing infant seat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the recline angle if necessary.
Step 5: Attach the LATCH connectors, if using LATCH
If you’re using the LATCH system, connect the car seat’s lower anchors to the vehicle’s lower anchors according to the instructions.
Make sure each connector is fully attached. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for tightening the straps and positioning them correctly.
If you’re using the vehicle seat belt instead, thread the belt through the correct belt path on the car seat base and buckle it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Tighten the installation
Remove slack from the LATCH strap or seat belt and tighten the installation according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.
The goal is a secure installation—not simply pushing the base down as hard as possible. Don’t kneel or put your full body weight on the car seat unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.
Once installed, grasp the car seat at the belt path and check for movement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how much movement is acceptable.
Step 7: Check the angle and installation
Before placing your baby in the seat, double-check the level indicator, installation, and harness according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure the base is securely attached and that nothing is interfering with the installation.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve installed the car seat correctly, have it inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician.
Step 8: Install the infant carrier
If your car seat is a detachable infant carrier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the carrier to the installed base.
Make sure you hear or feel the appropriate indication that the carrier is securely attached, and check the manufacturer’s instructions before each use.
Important Safety Tips
Always keep an infant car seat rear-facing and follow the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
Never place a rear-facing infant car seat in a seating position with an active front airbag.
Never use aftermarket accessories, inserts, or products that aren’t approved by the car seat manufacturer.
Check the harness every time your baby rides in the car. The harness should fit snugly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Never assume that because a car seat looks secure, it has been installed correctly. If you’re unsure, have a certified child passenger safety technician check it.
Car seats and vehicles aren’t all designed the same way, so the instructions that came with your particular car seat and vehicle should always take priority over general installation advice.
Where to Get Your Car Seat Installation Checked
Many communities have certified child passenger safety technicians who can help parents learn how to install infant car seats and check whether the installation is correct.
Your hospital may also be able to provide information about local car seat inspection resources, but don’t wait until the day you bring your baby home to figure out how the seat works. Installing and checking the seat before your due date gives you time to correct any problems.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to install infant car seats correctly is one of the most important preparations you can make before bringing your baby home. Take the time to read both manuals, use an approved seating position and installation method, and have the installation checked if you aren’t completely confident in it.
A few extra minutes spent checking your infant car seat can provide important peace of mind every time your baby travels.
