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Child Seats: Installing a child seat

Installing your infant seat | Installing your convertible seat - rear facing | Installing your convertible seat - forward facing | Installing your booster seat | Buckling up older children | More about equipment | Vehicles with lap belts only | Safest location

Installing your infant seat

Print this checklist and take it with you to your vehicle when you install your infant seat.

 Place the infant seat, rear-facing, in the back seat. All children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the back seat. In almost all crashes it is the safest location.
 NEVER place a rear-facing infant seat in a vehicle seat equipped with an air bag.
 Lower carrying handle behind infant seat.
 Maintain the correct reclining angle for the infant seat. If your baby's head falls forward the infant seat is too upright. Some seats are equipped with a built-in levelling device. If there is no levelling device use a tightly rolled towel under the (foot) end of the seat. Wrap tape around each end and the centre of the towel so it will keep its shape.
 Attach with the adult seatbelt and if necessary, use a locking clip.

Harnessing your baby in the seat

 When rear facing, the harness straps should be at the height of your infant's shoulders (or slightly below) to ensure a snug fit. Avoid the use of head huggers. A rolled receiving blanket will support the head adequately.
 Place your baby in the seat and fasten the harness snugly. Only one finger should fit between the harness and the child's collar bone. (Avoid dressing your baby in heavy clothing or bunting bags. Bulky clothing will make it difficult to ensure snug harnessing. In cold weather, put blankets over your baby - after he's been fastened in the seat.)
 On each trip, check harness tension and adjust chest clip.
 Raise the chest clip to the level of your baby's underarms.
 On each trip, check harness tension and adjust chest clip.
 Always check the manufacturer's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual.

A child is usually ready to ride in the front facing convertible seat when he or she reaches 20 - 22 lbs (9-10 kg) and one year of age.