Car seats are arguably the most important piece of baby gear you’ll purchase. Correct installation and buckling are paramount. Before every trip, take a moment to run through this essential checklist to ensure your precious cargo is safe and secure.

1. The Angle of Recline: Facing the Rear

Newborns and infants must ride in a rear-facing car seat until they meet the height or weight limit of the seat (often around age 2 or longer). The proper recline angle is crucial to keep the baby's airway open, especially when they fall asleep. Use the indicator on your car seat to confirm the angle.

2. The Harness Test: The Pinch Test

The harness straps must be snug. After buckling your baby, try to pinch the webbing of the strap near the baby's shoulder. If you can pinch any slack, the harness is too loose. The straps should lie flat against the baby's body.

3. Chest Clip Placement: Nipple Level

The chest clip is not a safety device; it’s a positioning device. Ensure the clip rests squarely over the baby's sternum, at armpit or nipple level. Placing it too low or too high compromises safety in the event of a crash.

4. Avoiding Bulky Clothing

Puffy coats or bulky snowsuits can create slack in the harness that you can't see, leading to an unsafe fit. Dress your baby in thin layers, buckle them snugly, and then place a blanket or coat over the harness straps.