Did you know 3 of the smiling faces you see here at baby enRoute are Certified Car Seat Technicians? That’s right, Brittni, Jill and I are able to safely install your child restraint system. We always want to ensure you know what is the best way to keep your little one safe when traveling. Whether you’re driving to the supermarket, or across country a safely installed car seat can save your little ones life.
With that being said, I thought we’d go over major key points when looking to buy car seats, how to know if the car seat you’re looking at is right for you and you child.
Stage 1: Rear Facing – rear facing can be done in both a newborn infant seat(Bucket seat) or a 2 and 3 stage transitional car seats. It is best practice to keep your child rear facing for 2+ years, or as long as the car seat allows. There are three safe ways to install this seat, which one you chose will depend on both the seat and your car. Always consult both your seat and car manuals before installing your seat.
Option 1: UAS. Universal Anchorage System is the most common way to install a rear facing seat. To find your UAS bar consult your cars manual, or look for the UAS symbol on your cars seat. 
Option 2: Seat belt only. Used only when your seat belts or car seat have built in locking feature.
Option 3: Seat belt with locking clip. Used only when your seat belts or car seat doesn’t have a built in locking clip.
Always ensure you’re using one of the 3 options. Never install your car seat with both UAS and seat belt, unless specified by the car seat manufacturer.
When installing seats rear facing, always make sure it is at the right level, the level will be indicated on the base or the seat itself. This line should be level to the ground(always make sure you’re parked on level ground when installing you car seat). You know your seat is installed properly once you’ve followed all instruction and the seat moves less than an inch at the base both side to side and back and forth. It is normal for movement at the top of the seat is normal.
Stage 2: Forward Facing – Now that your child has reached the appropriate height and weight you can transition to forward facing. Always remember it is best practice to keep your child rear facing for 2 years+. With forward facing we still use the 3 options we did with rear facing, this time you must tether anchor your seat in place as well.
Option 1: UAS. Universal Anchorage System. Much like rear facing, you can use the UAS system. All forward facing car seats will have restrictions and weight limitations as to how long you can use UAS while forward facing. In this position your car seat must be tethered to the back of your vehicles seat.
Option 2: Seat belt only. You can use this option if your seat belt or car seat have a locking function built in. Tether still needs to be used with this option.
Option 3: Seat belt with locking clip. This option is to only be used if your seat belt or car seat do not have a locking mechanism built in. You will still need to tether with this option.
Stage 3: Booster – This is the last stage of car seats, and there are a few different options. High back booster, providing the child with full pack and head support or a backless booster, meaning there is only a seat for the child. Some high back boosters have the option to remove the back when the child is ready to use just the seat, this allows the transition from forward facing to booster go much smoother. All high back boosters will come with a seat belt guide, allowing you and your child to know the safest belt path. When using a booster ensure your seat belt is in the right position. The shoulder belt should rest centered on your child’s shoulders, and straight across the chest. Never under the arm or against the neck. The lap portion of the belt will rest snug against your child’s hip. Make sure there is no slack in the seat belt once in position.
When deciding the right time to transition your child from seat to seat always consult the car seat manual. Best practice is to keep rear facing for as long as possible. It is much safer and reduces the risk of harm to you child during a collision.
Stay safe, and always keep with best practice!
