Installing a car seat can be daunting, but with the right preparation, it can be done quickly and safely. Here are some tips from our team at New South Ford in Meridian, MS to keep in mind when installing your child safety seat:
1. Choose the correct seating position for your child and the appropriate car seat. Children should always remain rear-facing in car seats until they reach the appropriate weight and age limit for front-facing, as specified by your chosen model. Additionally, you must ensure that your designated seat is a secure fit for the vehicle. Both of these factors are critical to maximizing safety while on the road!
2. Use a LATCH system if available. The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system is designed to keep your car seat firmly secured through anchor points in the vehicle. This provides far more stability than relying on a seat belt, ensuring your child's safety isn't compromised during travel.
3. Install the car seat tightly and securely, ensuring that it moves no more than 0ne-inch side to side, forward, and back. Using a belt-tightening tool can help achieve this level of security.