Installing a Forward Facing Child Safety Seat

 Correct Installation of a Combination Seat
 Correct Installation of Forward Facing Convertible Seat

1. Select an appropriate position for the child safety seat (CSS).

Read the vehicle owner’s manual. Some seating positions have seat belts for adult use, but are restricted from installing a CSS in that position. Take all passengers into consideration when deciding the safest seating scenario. Statistically, the back seat is safer than the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all children, 12 and under, ride in the back seat. The center-most seating position, typically the rear middle, is the safest position in the vehicle, as long as the CSS can be installed properly in that position.

Forward facing convertible seat Image provided by the NHTSA

2. Place the CSS in the vehicle facing the front.  

3. In general, a forward facing CSS will be installed in the upright position. The upright position allows crash forces to be evenly distributed over a child’s body. However, some seats meet testing standards when semi-reclined in a forward facing position. You will need to read the CSS instructions for details.

4. Thread the seat belt through the proper seat belt path. Or, if you are using the LATCH system, make sure the LATCH strap is threaded through the proper seat belt path. Click here to learn more about LATCH.

5. Buckle the seat belt. Or, if you are using the LATCH system, hook each clip to the appropriate metal ring in the vehicle seat crack. (Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to determine which rings to use for each seating position.)

6. Apply weight to the CSS and pull all the slack out of the lap portion of the seat belt or the LATCH strap.

7. Some vehicle seat belts require you to pull the shoulder belt webbing completely out and then let it wind back up in order to lock to properly install a CSS. Some vehicle seat belts require use of supplemental hardware, such as a locking clip. Click here to learn more about locking clips. Read your vehicle owner’s manual to determine what type of seat belt system you have.

Example of seat belt that locks when shoulder belt is completely pulled out. Image provided by NHTSA

 
8. If you have a tether strap on your CSS and a tether anchor in your vehicle, clip the tether strap hook to the anchor and pull the strap tight. The webbing should be snug. This top tether is required if you are using your LATCH system and installing the CSS forward facing. It is recommended if you are using the vehicle seat belt system, but not always required. Click here to learn more about tethers.

9. Check to see if the CSS is installed tight enough by grabbing it with both hands at the seat belt path. Slide the CSS from side to side without tilting or twisting and from front to back. The CSS should not move more than one inch in either direction.

If the CSS moves more than one inch in either direction, check to see if the seat belt or LATCH strap is pulled tight enough. Applying enough pressure to compress the vehicle seat cushion will help remove slack from the seat belt or LATCH webbing.   Appling weight into the seat with your hand should be enough pressure to get a tight installation. If there is still more than one inch of movement, your CSS may not work in that seating position or in that particular vehicle. There may also be a special fix that a trained child passenger safety technician can help you with. To find a certified child passenger safety technician or child safety seat inspection site in Indiana click here. To find a child safety seat inspection site outside Indiana click here.

Putting knee into seat during forward facing installation. Image provided by the NHTSA