Keeping Your Newborn Safe in the Car

Bringing your baby home is an exciting milestone. One of the most important things you can do to protect your newborn is by using a car seat correctly every time you travel. Understanding the basics of car seat safety helps parents travel with confidence and keep their baby safe on the road. Choose the correct car seat, install it properly and ensure that your baby has a snug fit in it to greatly reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash.  

Choosing the Right Car Seat 

Newborns should ride in a rear-facing car seat from their very first trip home from the hospital. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a baby's head, neck and spine in the event of a collision because they help spread force across the entire back of the seat. 

When choosing a car seat: 

• Make sure it is designed for newborns and fits your baby's weight and height. This information can be found in the car seat manual, as well as on the safety sticker located on the side of the car seat. 
• Register your car seat with the manufacturer so you can receive information about recalls and safety updates. 
• Avoid using a secondhand car seat unless you know its complete history and can confirm it has never been involved in a crash. 
• Use only products and accessories approved by the car seat manufacturer. Items that did not come with the car seat may not have been crash-tested with that seat and could affect safety. 

Children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer. This information can be found in the car seat manual and on the safety sticker located on the side of the car seat. 

Understanding Car Seat Expiration Dates and History 

Many parents are surprised to learn that car seats have expiration dates. Over time, plastic and other materials can weaken due to age, temperature changes and everyday wear.  

And knowing the history of your car seat is just as important as checking the expiration date. This will help ensure your baby is properly protected each time they use the car seat. 

Before using a car seat: 

• Check the expiration date label on the bottom of the car seat or the car seat manual. Never use an expired car seat. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on when to replace the car seat. 
• Confirm the seat has not been recalled by checking https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.  
• NEVER use a car seat that has been involved in a moderate to severe crash.  

Buckling Your Baby Correctly 

Even the best car seat cannot protect a baby if the harness is not used properly. Every ride should begin with a quick safety check: 

• For the rear-facing position, the harness straps should be at or below your baby's shoulders. Once your child is old enough to be forward-facing, the harness straps should be moved to right above shoulder level. 
• Buckle the harness and tighten it until it is snug. 
• Perform the "pinch test" at your baby's shoulders. If you can pinch a fold of harness strap, the harness is too loose. The harness should fit snugly against the hard parts of your baby's body. 
• Place the chest clip at the hardest part of your baby’s chest, ideally at armpit level. 
• Make sure your baby's head is at least one inch below the top of the car seat shell. 
• Avoid placing bulky coats, thick clothing, blankets or extra padding under the harness. These items can create slack in the harness and reduce protection during a crash. If your baby is cold, buckle the harness first and then place a blanket over your baby. 
• Do not add head supports, toys, inserts or other accessories unless they were provided by or approved by the car seat manufacturer. 

Installing the Car Seat Properly 

A car seat must be installed correctly to protect your baby. Unfortunately, many car seats are installed incorrectly, which can reduce their effectiveness during a crash. 

To ensure proper installation: 

• Read both the vehicle owner's manual and the car seat manual. 
• Adjust the car seat to the correct recline angle recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Install the car seat in the back seat. Never place a car seat in front of an active airbag. 
• Once correctly installed, check the effectiveness by placing your hands at the base of the car seat and gently moving it side-to-side and front-to-back. The car seat should move less than one inch in each direction. 
• Install the seat before your baby's due date and practice taking it in and out of your vehicle. 

For added peace of mind, have your car seat inspected or installed by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). A CPST can verify that your seat is installed and used correctly. Visit www.safekidsgreaterhouston.org or call 832-822-2277 to schedule your FREE car seat inspection. Most local fire/police departments do not have certified CPSTs. 

Preventing Heat Stroke 

Heat stroke is a serious and preventable danger. Even on mild days, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly and become life-threatening. 

To help prevent heat-related tragedies: 

• Never leave your baby alone in a vehicle, not even for a minute. 
• Always check the back seat before locking the car and walking away. 
• Place your purse, cell phone, keys, work badge or another important item in the back seat as a reminder to check for your child before exiting the vehicle. 
• Be especially careful when your daily routine changes, as distractions can occur more easily. 
• Make sure all caregivers and family members follow the same safety practices. 

Final Thoughts 

Car seat safety begins before your baby is born and continues throughout every stage of childhood. Before every trip, ask yourself: 

1. Is my child in the correct rear-facing car seat for their size? 
2. Is the car seat installed correctly? 
3. Are the harness straps at or below my baby's shoulders? 
4. Is the chest clip at armpit level? 
5. Does the harness pass the pinch test? 
6. Is my baby free of bulky coats or padding under the harness? 
7. Am I using only manufacturer-approved accessories? 
8. Is the car seat within its expiration date? 
9. Have I checked the back seat before leaving my vehicle? 

By making car seat safety a habit before every trip, parents can help protect their newborn and provide the safest possible ride every time.