How to ensure your baby is safely positioned in the car seat.
- Desiree Bobby
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An approved car seat is step one. But how you place your baby in that seat is just as important.
Even with a perfectly installed seat, small mistakes in securing or positioning your baby can have serious consequences in the event of an accident.
This article will teach you how to safely place your baby in their car seat step by step, from the first ride home to the daily trip to the supermarket.
Step by step, place your baby safely in the car seat
The right size car seat
Car seats are classified by weight (e.g., Group 0+) or length (e.g., i-Size). So, be sure to check carefully whether the seat is suitable for your baby's height and weight, and for the stage of their life. In the section "Choosing the right car seat for your baby," you'll learn exactly what to consider when making that choice.
Be careful with second-hand car seats
Car seats have a shelf life and can sustain invisible damage after an accident. Avoid using a secondhand seat whose history you don't know unless you trust someone personally and are certain it's accident-free.
The seat is installed correctly
Always consult the instructions for both your car seat and your car. Check that the seat is securely fastened with ISOFIX or the seat belt. Our blog post , "How to Install a Car Seat," provides step-by-step instructions for installing a seat safely and correctly in various cars.
Backwards is safest
In Europe, it's legally required to travel rearward-facing until at least 15 months of age. Many experts recommend continuing this practice for as long as possible, up to 25 kg (55 lbs) or approximately 4 years, if the seat allows it.
Sitting rearward ensures that the forces of a collision are better distributed across the entire body, instead of the vulnerable neck taking the full impact.
Maintain the correct posture
Your baby should be in a position that supports their head well and prevents their chin from dropping onto their chest. Newborns, in particular, have little neck tension and can't yet hold their heads up on their own.
That's why most baby seats have a natural, reclined position that supports the correct posture: slightly reclined, so the body rests properly and the airways remain clear. If your baby sits too upright, their head can tilt forward. This bends the neck and can restrict airflow. This is often not immediately apparent, but it can be dangerous.
Check the tilt of the seat
The car seat's tilt determines how much your baby sits or lies at an angle. If the angle is incorrect, their head can fall forward.
Many chairs are equipped with a tilt indicator, such as a water bubble, colored area, or marker line. This allows you to easily check whether the tilt is correct.
When should you check or adjust the slope?
When first installing the seat
As your baby grows and the sitting position changes
If you see the head drooping forward, especially during sleep
When you place the seat in another car (seats vary by model)
How do you adjust the slope safely?
Read the seat's manual. Each brand works differently. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Check if the seat has a reclining position. Many infant car seats and swivel models have a lever or knob to adjust the angle.
Use the slope indicator. If the water bubble or color patch isn't in the correct area, adjust the angle or use a solution approved by the manufacturer.
Use only approved assistive devices. Some manufacturers offer wedges to correct the angle of a steep car seat. Do not use towels, blankets, or other loose materials under the seat. These are unsafe.
Also pay attention to the shape of your car seat. Back seats may have a different angle than you expect. If the seat is too upright:
Try a different seat in the car
Use an approved slope wedge (only if permitted)
Or choose a seat with an adjustable base, which allows you to adjust the angle on the car seat
Harness belts: tight, correct and comfortable
The harness straps of a car seat should be secure enough to keep your baby safely in place, but also remain comfortable.
In the event of a collision, there should be no slack that could cause your baby to be thrown forward or to the side.
The belts should lie flat and not be twisted.
They should fit neatly over the shoulders and fit well against the body.
The buckle should sit low on the hips, not on the stomach.
You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the belt and your collarbone.
Many parents do tighten their seat belts, but wonder if it's enough. Here's something to remember:
A car seat only really protects if the belts fit snugly.
Loose may feel soft and sweet, but tight is safe.
The pinch test
Not sure if you're doing it right? The pinch test is a simple way to check if the car seat harness straps are tight enough and therefore truly safe.
Place your baby properly in the seat and fasten the belts according to the instructions.
Tighten the belts until they fit snugly against your baby's body.
Using your thumb and index finger, try to grasp a fold in the shoulder area of the belt, just above the collarbone.
Can you squeeze a crease? Then the belts are still too loose. Tighten them a bit. Can't squeeze a crease? Then your baby is safely secured.
This test is especially useful because the feeling of "tight enough" can sometimes be difficult to judge.
No thick coats or suits below the belt
One of the most common mistakes is strapping your baby into a thick coat or footmuff. This extra layer between your baby and the harness straps can cause the harness straps to be loose, even if it seems fine at first glance.
What you should do instead: always buckle your baby in first, without a coat or thick clothing. Then, place a blanket over the seat belts to keep your baby warm. There are also special car seat foot muffs that are safe, as long as they don't create an extra layer between your baby and the seat belts. This way, your child stays warm and well-protected, without compromising safety during a ride.
Beware of overheating
In winter, thick coats are a problem, but in summer, overheating can occur. In warm weather, make sure your baby isn't too warm, use sunshades to protect against direct sunlight, and check that the seat fabric hasn't become hot.
Use only approved accessories
Extra cushions, inserts, or stuffed animals may seem useful or comfortable, but they can disrupt the seat's functionality. They can prevent the belts from fitting properly or reduce protection in a crash. Therefore, only use accessories that are included with the seat or that are explicitly approved by the manufacturer.
Practical questions that parents often have
How do I know when my baby has outgrown the seat?
Is the baby's head almost above the edge? Are the seat belts no longer adjustable? Then it's time for a larger seat.
My baby is crying in the car seat. Is that unsafe?
Not necessarily. Sometimes babies need to get used to the position. Always check that everything is correct. Crying can also be caused by hunger, tiredness, or heat.
How often should I check the confirmation?
Every time you ride, seatbelts can become loose through daily use. A regular routine of checking your seatbelts takes little time and provides peace of mind.
How long can my baby sit in a car seat?
There's sometimes confusion about how long your baby can safely sit in the car seat. As a rule of thumb:
Short trips : fine
Long rides (30–60+ minutes) : plan a break
Gentle movement in between : good for the respiratory tract and alertness
The safety of your baby in the car is not only about having the right seat, but also about repetition.
Every ride, a quick check: are the seat belts flat, are they tight enough, is your baby not wearing a thick coat, is their head straight, and is the seat securely fastened? It only takes a few seconds, but it makes a world of difference.
And do you want to not only be safe on the road, but also feel confident throughout the rest of that first phase? In The Baby School, you'll learn everything you need to know. From safe sleep to decorating the nursery and making your home safe. Step by step, calmly and clearly. This way, you'll enter parenthood with confidence and peace of mind.
Love,
Bobby