INSTALLATION
1. FIND THE BEST SPOT
IN THE CAR.
For children under the age of 13, it is safest for them to ride in the back seat. However, not all cars have seat belts in every seating position that allow for the use of a car seat. Refer to your car owner’s manual to determine where a car seat can be safely placed. Ensure that each child in the car is in the optimal seating position for their car seat or booster seat. Additionally, make sure all other passengers in the car are able to ride safely.
2. WAYS TO SECURE
A CAR SEAT
When securing a car seat in a vehicle, there are two options available.
- The first method involves using the seat belt of the vehicle. Simply thread the seat belt through the car seat at the designated belt path, which can be identified by arrows on the car seat or instructions on the label. For forward-facing car seats, it is important to also use a top tether to secure the car seat properly.
- A different option for fastening a car seat in a vehicle is to utilize lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). These car seats come equipped with lower attachments that connect to the car’s lower anchors. For all forward-facing car seats, it is important to also use a top tether when securing the car seat.
3. TESTING INSTALLATION
When properly installed, a car seat should not move more than one inch (2.54 cm) in any direction when pulled at the seat belt path. This applies to both forward-facing and rear-facing car seats, regardless of whether a seat belt or LATCH system secures them.
4. CAR SEAT’S WEIGHT LIMITS
Please note that LATCH should only be used for children who are under a specific weight, as indicated on the car seat label. Once your child exceeds this weight, it is important to discontinue using LATCH and instead secure the car seat using the seat belt and top tether.
Rear-facing seats Installation
Please make sure to position the harnesses of your rear-facing seat in slots that are either at or below your child's shoulders.
Make sure that the harness is tight enough so that you cannot pinch any slack between your fingers when checking the straps over your child's shoulders. Additionally, position the chest clip at the center of the chest in line with your child's armpits.
To ensure maximum safety, it's important to properly install the car safety seat in your vehicle using either the lower anchors or a locked seat belt. Some car safety seats come with an integrated lock-off system that keeps the seat belt secured. If your seat has this feature, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it. Remember, if you're able to move the seat more than an inch in any direction along the belt path, it means the seat isn't properly secured and you need to adjust it.
When using a convertible or all-in-one seat in the rear-facing position, it is important to ensure that the seat belt or lower anchor webbing is properly routed through the correct belt path. To confirm this, refer to the instructions provided with your car safety seat.
It is important to never install a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with an active front passenger airbag. This is because if the airbag deploys, it could potentially strike the back of the car safety seat, endangering your child's head and possibly causing severe harm or even death.
To ensure your child's head doesn't flop forward, make sure the seat is at the correct angle. Check the instructions provided with the seat to determine the correct angle and learn how to adjust it if necessary. All rear-facing seats come with recline indicators built-in.
Booster seats Installation
Before installing a booster seat, it is important to read both the vehicle owner's manual and the car safety seat manual. Booster seats commonly come with a plastic clip or guide to properly position the lap and shoulder belts in the vehicle. Refer to the booster seat instruction manual for instructions on how to use the clip or guide. It is essential to use lap and shoulder belts when using a booster seat. Always ensure that the booster seat is being used correctly.
Choose the Right Location:
When using a booster seat, it's important to choose the right location in the vehicle. For maximum safety, place it in the back seat, preferably in the center. This is because it's the farthest point from potential side impacts. Always remember to consult your vehicle's owner's manual for any specific guidelines on booster seat placement.
Secure Properly:
To properly secure a booster seat, follow these steps:
1. Position the Seat Belt: Ensure that the vehicle's seat belt is properly positioned across the child's shoulder and chest, and not on their neck or face. The lap portion of the seat belt should lie across the child's upper thighs and not their stomach.
2. Use the Guide or Clip: Many booster seats come with guides or clips that help position the seat belt correctly. Follow the instructions provided with the booster seat to use these guides effectively.
3. Secure the Booster Seat: Ensure that the booster seat is securely fastened to the vehicle seat. Some booster seats have LATCH connectors or other mechanisms that can help keep the seat stable even when the child is not in it. Follow the instructions provided with the booster seat to secure it properly.
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