When to Install Car Seat

When to Install Car Seat? – A Detailed Guide

Welcome to our guide on when to install car seat!

When it comes to car seat safety for children, you shouldn’t make any compromises. In recent years, car accidents have been one of the most prominent reasons behind child death.

Now, the best time to install a car seat is before the birth of your child as it gives you time to see if the seat is the right fit for your car. But different types of seats may have different time requirements.

When to Install Car Seat?

Properly fitted car seat allows your child to have the following advantages:

  • An increased amount of safety
  • Significant reduction of ejection risk
  • Better comfort for them and convenience for you while you’re on the road

Tell me more about it!

 

Right Time to Install Car Seat

The perfect time to install a car seat is before the due date of your child’s birth. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with how car seat works and whether or not you should make any changes before the baby comes.

That said, due to the typical variation of car seats for children, you will have to opt for different ones in different situations.

When to Install Rear Facing Seats?

Rear-facing car seat, often known as an infant car seat, is specifically designed for infants and toddlers. The age limit for these seats is from zero to two years old. These seats are fixed on the back seat for maximum protection.

You should install rear-facing car seats before your child’s birth if possible. Weight limit shouldn’t be a concern at this point, but if you want to be safe, you can install the seat right after your child’s birth as well.

If your child is under 2 and you haven’t installed a child’s car seat in your vehicle, then you can put the seat on as soon as possible.

A rear-facing seat provides head and neck support while distributing the force of a collision to the whole body, significantly reducing the risk of getting injured in an unfortunate event.

Cautions for Rear Facing Seats

  • Remember that rear-facing seats are only applicable for a certain age and weight limit, and you will have to look for an alternative option.
  • The adjustment can be a hassle as it doesn’t have the versatility that front-facing seats offer, so make sure you get it right!
  • Only place rear-facing seats on the back seat; that is the best installation practice and provides the most protection.

When to Install Forward Facing Car Seats?

Kids who outgrow their rear-facing car seats and are around the age of older toddlers and young children will opt for a forward-facing car seat. The suitable age for this child’s safety seat is around 2 to 4 years.

Therefore, the best time for you to install a forward-facing car seat would be before your child turns 2 or if they are between the age between 2 and 4.

You can also place forward-facing car seats on the back like infant seats. Some forward-facing car seats can be used as booster seats. But you must go to a car seat inspection station and consult a child passenger safety technician for confirmation.

You will be able to utilize many more features with forward-facing car seats compared to an infant seat. These seats have five-point harness straps, which secure a child’s positioning perfectly without creating discomfort for this kid.

There is also extra padding, headrests, armrests, and cushions to make a child as comfortable as possible.

Cautions for Forward Facing Car Seats

  • The seat grip can sometimes be uncomfortable for the child, so you need to adjust it regularly.
  • While the seat can be placed on the passenger side, keeping it on the back is better.
  • The top tether of the LATCH is known to come loose in many cases, so that part also needs consideration. 

When to Install Booster Seats?

If a child reaches the height and weight limits of forward-facing car seats, you will have to opt for booster seats.

The best time for this is around the age of 4 to 7. We recommend you pick up a booster seat right before your kid turns 4. Sometimes you may have to pick up booster seats early if your child has increased growth.

The biggest advantage of a booster seat is that you can place it in the front seat or passenger side. And the crotch strap, lap belt, and latch anchor will ensure the children are safe and sound.

But timing is important here; otherwise, you will just make your child’s vehicle rides more irritating and nothing else.

Cautions for Booster Seats

  • Only go for booster seats if you meet the age, height and weight requirements.
  • Booster seats are versatile, but place them in the back of your car if you can.

 

A Step-By-Step Guide on Car Seat Installation

Now that you know when you should install car seats, here are the steps that you should follow to install a car seat correctly –

Step 1: Selecting the Seat Type

First, you must figure out which vehicle seat you will be installing. Generally, you should go for a rear-facing car seat, but if you are late at the party, you will opt for front-facing or booster seats.

Step 2: Check the Install Location and Seat Belt

Next is to secure the installation location and the seat belt, as you will attach the car seat with either the seat belt or some leather straps.

The best place to put the car seat is on the back seat, but you should consult your car seat’s instruction manual to get further insight on the best location to put the seat.

Step 3: Installing the Car Seat

Here following the car seat manual can help you out a lot. You must use seat belts or Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH) to connect the seat.

How you will put the seat belt through, or LATCH, will be described in the instruction provided by the car seat manufacturer.

Step 4: Check and Adjust

Once the installation is complete, you should do a thorough check. Sometimes it is better to get it reviewed by a car seat technician if you want to go the extra mile.

 

Why Should You Choose a Rear Facing Car Seat?

As mentioned in this article and as you will find in other sources, rear-facing seats are always the recommended option.

This is because of a simple fact: in the case of a crash or accident, these seats will be able to provide head, neck, and spine protection more than any other option for a young child.

 

Final Thoughts

You must install car seats as soon as possible if you are expecting a baby or already have one. They offer the safest place in a car ride and can be the deciding factor for saving your child’s life.

So, please don’t waste time wondering when to install car seat and do it right now!

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!

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