How to Install Car Seats from Acura Carland Part 2

In addition to determining which seat is best for your child, it is also important to know a few best practices about using car seats as a whole. It is important to use a car seat every time your child rides in a vehicle. If you are transferring your child’s seat into a different vehicle, refer to that vehicle’s manual as every vehicle and every seat is different. It is important to know the specific instructions for both before beginning installation of the seat. Other factors to be aware of are:

• Do not use pre-owned car seats: It can be dangerous because a used car seat’s history can be difficult to know important facts like if the seat has been recalled, find the proper installation and usage manuals, if the seat is more than 6 years old, has ever been damaged or is missing parts, and if the seat has ever been through a moderate to severe crash.

• Always install child safety seats in the back seat of your vehicle: This is the safest place for the seat and all children under 12 years of age.

• Place child so that their backside is flush against the seat without arching or slouching.

• Remove any bulky or unnecessary clothing as this can cause the straps to fit too loosely and not provide adequate protection.

• Remember that size, not age, should dictate when your child moves to a different style of child seat.

Installing the safety seat can be done in a few simple steps. To keep things simple, the following instructions is how to install a safety seat with a seatbelt:

Step 1: Read all instructions for the safety seat

Step 2: Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for information on whether your vehicle has anchors and where they are located and how to lock your seat belt.

Step 3: Place the car seat base or car seat, depending on model, in the back seat of your vehicle

Step 4: Carefully thread seat belt through the correct belt path, ensuring there are not any twists in the belt

Step 5: Buckle the seat belt

Step 6: Lock seat belt, press down firmly on base or seat and tighten. The car seat should not move side to side or front to back more than one inch.

Step 7: Ensure the seat is installed at the correct angle. Many seats will have a built-in indicator to assist you

Step 8: Properly position the harness on your child. The harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and be place at slots at or below your child’s shoulders.

Step 9: Buckle the harness and chest clip and tighten. Harness should be snug enough when you cannot pinch any extra material at the shoulders. Place the chest clip at the child’s armpit level.

With forward facing car seats, there is the extra step of securing the top tether strap found on top of the car seat and to the tether anchor and tightening. This step is important for these seats as it limits the forward movement of the seat in a crash.

Keep in mind that booster seats work a bit differently. Booster seats are designed to position the vehicle’s seat belt over the strongest parts of your child’s body and ensure it is fitting properly.  There are two types of booster seats that you will want to consider. The first type is a high backed booster seat. This seat is best if your vehicle seat back is low or when there are no head restraints. This seat specifically provides head, neck, and back support. The backless booster seat is best used when the vehicle’s head restraint can support your child’s head.

When installing a booster seat, after placing it in the rear seat of your vehicle, have your child sit in the seat. Once they are seated, fasten the seat belt across them. If the booster seat provides seatbelt guides, use them to insure proper positioning. The shoulder belt should lie flat across the chest and the lap belt should be across the upper thigh.

Remember, even if you have followed all instructions perfectly, it may still be prudent to have an expert look over your work at a child safety seat inspection location to ensure your child will be safe when buckled in. These locations can be found throughout the United States.