Car seat safety for a newborn

Here’s a concise, practical guide to car seat safety for a newborn.

Key ideas at a glance

Use a rear-facing infant car seat every time you travel, from birth until the seat’s height/weight limit is reached.

Install the seat correctly using a rigid latch system or seat belt according to the car seat and vehicle manual.

Position the seat in the back seat, away from airbags if possible.

Ensure a snug fit: harness snug, chest clip at armpit level, no slack in straps.

Keep newborns at a 45-degree angle to maintain airway and reduce head flop.

Check expiration dates and ensure the seat is not involved in a crash.

Step-by-step safety checklist

1) Choose the right seat

For newborns, use an infant car seat (typically 4–35 lbs or 2–15 kg and up to 28–32 inches tall) or a convertible seat installed in rear-facing mode.

Some parents opt for a car seat with a detachable newborn insert; remove it as the baby grows per the instructions.

Never leave a baby to sleep in their car seat.

Stop every hour on a long journey.

2) Install the seat rear-facing

Always rear-facing for as long as the seat allows (most seats: up to 40–50 lbs or more, depending on model).

Read both the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual for specific installation instructions.

Choose a location in the back seat. If an airbag is in the passenger seat, always move the seat to the rear or disable the airbag if the vehicle permits (follow vehicle instructions). In most cases, the safest is the back seat center if your vehicle provides a secure needs-oriented install.

3) Secure the car seat

Use either the LATCH system or the seat belt, not both, unless the manufacturer says you can.

Tighten until the seat doesn’t move more than 1 inch side-to-side at the belt path.

For LATCH, use the lower anchors and top tether if applicable for your seat and vehicle.

4) Position the seat correctly

Recline angle: Newborns need about 30–45 degrees of recline. Most seats have a built-in level indicator or angle adjuster.

Do not put the seat on a seat with a severe incline or a raised side; ensure stable base.

5) Harnessing the newborn

Straps at or below the shoulders for rear-facing seats (check manual).

Chest clip at armpit level.

Strap should be snug: you should not be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulder.

Harness retainer clip should be at armpit level, not on the belly or neck.

6) Padding and inserts

Use manufacturer-approved inserts only. If your seat includes a newborn insert, make sure you use it as directed and remove it when the baby outgrows it or when instructed to do so by the manual.

7) Environment in the car

Keep the infant in the rear seat, away from active airbags.

Ensure climate and comfort; keep the baby’s face clear of blankets, toys, or clothing that can interfere with harnessing.

Dress the baby in appropriately thin layers; bulky coats should be removed before buckling, with the baby dressed in jacket layers placed over the harness if needed.

8) Getting in and out

Be careful not to loosen the harness or move the seat during transfer in/out of the car.

Always check that the seat remains securely installed after any movement.

9) Maintenance and checks

Inspect the seat’s expiration date and recall status.

Check harness straps for wear and replace if stretched or damaged.

Have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) inspect your installation if you’re unsure.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Using a forward-facing seat or placing a newborn in a seat not rated for their weight/height.

Installing in the front seat with an active airbag.

Loose harness or chest clip not at armpit level.

Bulky clothing or coats under the harness.

Incorrect recline angle causing the airway to be blocked.

Quick resources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — Car Seat Safety Guide: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seat

Safe Kids Worldwide — Car Seat Safety: https://www.safekids.org/car-seat

If in the US: Find a local Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) via NHTSA or Safe Kids.