To best protect your child in a crash, car seats must be installed correctly. Did you know that 3 out of 4 car seats are not used correctly? Many factors play into car seat installation – type of car seat, type of vehicle, and method of installation.
Many parents get confused or frustrated when attempting to install a car seat. Don’t worry, that’s normal. But with the right information, car seat installation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you find the proper car seat for your child, based on your child’s size and the right fit for your particular vehicle, you can determine the best way to install the seat.
There are a couple of ways to properly install a car seat: the LATCH system or with a seat belt. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This system is designed to make proper car seat installation easier. The lower anchors are those small metal bars found in many vehicles' back seats. Adjustable lower straps (sometimes called "LATCH straps") are connected from the car seat to the lower anchors to secure the car seat. The tether strap is another important, and often misused, component of the LATCH system. The top tether strap is located on the top rear of many car seats and should be used whenever possible by attaching it to the tether anchor found in many vehicles. Seat belts are standard equipment in every vehicle and provide an equally safe method of car seat installation.
Before you install your car seat, take some time to read both the car seat instruction manual and your vehicle's owner manual. This is where you'll find helpful information on the availability and location of certain safety equipment. The back seat is always the safest place to install a car seat, and your vehicle's owner manual will give you the information you need to determine which rear seating position is best for proper installation.
After you've read these manuals and NHTSA's tips and recommendations, if you’re still not sure how to install your car seat, help is available. Visit your car seat manufacturer’s Web site, call them to ask questions, or use our Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a certified installation technician who can help you in person, most times free of charge.
Reference: http://www.safercar.gov/parents/RightFit.htm
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