Baby checklists
Third trimester
Car Seat Installation Checklist
22 items · 18 must-haves · Weeks 34–36
General info, not medical advice. Your OB, midwife or pediatrician knows your situation; check with them. Learn more about our medical disclaimer
Step-by-step guide to getting the car seat installed correctly - the hospital won't let you leave without it
Before Purchase
- Research rear-facing infant seatsRear-facing as long as possible, until baby hits the seat's top rear-facing height or weight limit. Most convertible seats allow 2 years or more. Convertible seats last longer but infant carriers are easier to carry.
- Check vehicle compatibilityNot every seat fits every car. Check the seat manufacturer's fit guide and measure your back seat before buying.
- Register the car seat with the manufacturerTakes 2 minutes online. If there's ever a recall, they'll contact you directly instead of you finding out by accident.
- Check the manufacture and expiration dateCar seats expire 6-10 years from manufacture date. Never use a secondhand seat if you don't know its full history.
Installation
- Choose LATCH or seatbelt installation methodLATCH is easier but has a weight limit (usually 65 lbs combined child + seat). Seatbelt works for any weight. Never use both at the same time.
- Install the base at the correct angleMost bases have a built-in level indicator. Newborns need a more reclined angle (30-45 degrees) to keep their airway open.
- Perform the 1-inch movement testGrab the base where the seatbelt or LATCH connects and pull hard. It should not move more than 1 inch side to side or front to back.
- Check the recline angle indicatorThe level bubble or line should be in the green zone. If not, adjust it the way your seat manual says. Some allow a tightly rolled towel or pool noodle, some don't. Recheck after adjusting.
- Route the harness straps correctlyFor rear-facing, harness straps go through slots at or below baby's shoulders. Chest clip sits at armpit level.
- Do the pinch test on harness strapsTighten straps, then try to pinch the strap at baby's shoulder. If you can pinch a fold of webbing, it's too loose.
- Back seat only, never in front of an active airbagA rear-facing seat must never sit in front of an active front airbag: in a crash the airbag hits the back of the seat. The back seat is the safest place for every child under 13 (AAP, NHTSA).
- No puffy coats or snowsuits under the harnessA thick coat squashes flat in a crash and leaves the harness too loose. Strap baby in wearing regular clothes, then lay a blanket or the coat over the buckled harness (AAP).
Verification
- Book a check with a certified car seat technicianFind a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) through NHTSA's car seat inspection locator (nhtsa.gov) or Safe Kids Worldwide (safekids.org) and book a check before the due date. Many checks are free.
- Read the car seat manual cover to coverEvery seat is different. YouTube videos are great but your specific manual is the final authority on installation for your model.
- Read your vehicle owner's manual car seat sectionYour car may have specific LATCH anchor locations or seatbelt lock-off features you don't know about. Check pages on child restraints.
Practice Runs
- Practice buckling in a baby-sized doll or stuffed animalOPTIONALUse a 7-8 lb stuffed animal to practice strapping in. Get the harness adjustment and chest clip placement muscle memory down.
- Practice removing and reinstalling the carrier from the baseYou'll do this dozens of times. The click-in and release mechanism should be second nature before baby arrives.
- Time yourself on a full install and removalOPTIONALYou should be able to install the base from scratch in under 10 minutes. If you can't, practice more or get it inspected.
Vehicle Prep
- Optional: a back seat mirrorOPTIONALLets you see baby's face from the driver's seat. Not needed, and not crash-tested with the seat. If you use one, pick a lightweight, shatter-resistant mirror strapped tightly to the headrest.
- Add window shades on rear windowsOPTIONALStatic cling shades block sun without suction cups falling off. Keeps baby cool and prevents sunburn on the drive home.
- Stock a car emergency kitExtra diapers, wipes, change of clothes, blanket, plastic bags in a small bin in the trunk. You will need this sooner than you think.
- Remove any loose objects from the rear shelf and back seatIn a sudden stop, a water bottle becomes a projectile. Clear the back seat area completely around the car seat.
Check it off together
Make a free account to tick items off as you go. Your partner sees the same list, ticks included.