Newborns and babies up to one year of age must ride in a rear-facing infant seat until they reach their first birthday and weigh at least 20 pounds. Make sure the car seat is properly installed. The middle of the back seat is the safest position for the car seat. Never put a car seat in the front passenger's seat, because the air bag could crush the baby if it inflates.
Make sure your baby is correctly placed in the seat. Check that the harness straps are sitting in the slots at, or just below, your baby's shoulders. Try to insert your fingers between the harness straps and your baby's chest when the straps are fastened. The straps should be snug, with no slack between them and your baby's chest. Check that the chest clip is positioned at your baby's armpits. For additional help, visit nhtsa.gov to find a car seat fitting station near you.
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