1. Install the seat at a 45-degree angle. If it lies too flat, your baby may slide out between the straps; if it's too upright, her head may flop forward, making breathing difficult. If your model doesn't come with an angle-adjuster, wedge a rolled towel under the base.

2. The carry handle should be in the down position for most infant seats. Check your manual to be sure.

3. The harness straps should be in slots at or below your baby's shoulders, the top of the harness clip should be at armpit level, and the harness should lie flat. if you can pinch a fold in the straps, it's too loose.

4. The seat must be tightly secured to the backseat  -- where all car seats belong  -- either with the vehicle's safety belt or LATCH (see below). If your model has a detachable base, be sure the seat is snapped firmly into it.

5. When properly installed, all car seats will move less than an inch when you tug on them in any direction at the belt path.

What is LATCH? Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is a system that you can use to secure your car seat instead of safety belts. It's required on all car seats (except boosters) and vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2002. But if you have an older car, properly installing the car seat with a safety belt is as safe as using LATCH.

[TOUT_ARROW_LINK {http://www.parenting.com/parenting/whitepage/magazine_pullouts/pdfs/infant_carseats.pdf} {Get the printable version of this chart!}]

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