MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

Car Safety Seat

All infants, babies, and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat for as long as possible. This means until they reach the highest weight (or height) allowed by the seat’s manufacturer. Most convertible car seats allow children to ride rear-facing for 2 or more years. Because a newborn’s spine is still developing and their head is large compared with the rest of their body, your baby is at higher risk for being injured in a car crash. The safest place for a new baby in the car is securely strapped into a rear-facing car seat. This type of safety seat cradles your baby’s head, neck, and spine, protecting them if the car is involved in a frontal crash—the most common type of car accident.

SCAN + PLAY

Don’t attach toys, wraps, or other items to your baby’s car seat

Straps should sit at or below your baby’s shoulders in a rear-facing seat

Place harness retainer clip at your baby’s armpit or nipple level

Harness straps should be tight enough that you can’t pinch any slack

Avoid bulky clothing, coats, or snowsuits under the snug harness

Don’t use any insert or support that didn’t come with your car seat

Did you know? Every car safety seat has an

expiration date . As a car seat ages, the materials may become brittle and break, making them less safe.

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care