The Peg-Perego Primo Viaggo Infant Car Seat is one of the safest car seats on the market today, according to the online car seat retailers at EliteCarSeats.com. As reported by the site, the Peg-Perego car seat has exceeded the most stringent standards for car seats in the world, the site recently reported upon announcing a sale on the popular child carrier. Bob Smith, the site’s spokesman said, “The Peg- Perego Primo Viaggo Infact Car Seat truly delivers on safety and innovative design. The car seat includes improved Side Impact Protection to keep baby’s head and body safe when in motion, and is comfortable and easy to install and carry.”

For a limited time, parents can enjoy a new low price on the Peg-Perego Primo Viaggo Infant Car Seat, which is ideal for infants from 5 to 30 pounds or children who are up to 30 inches tall. The site reports that the car seat is ideal for parents who are looking for something that is both safe and comfortable. Smith said, “The Peg-Perego isn’t just safe, it’s also a really luxurious ride for baby and gives parents peace of mind that their child will be safe. The design includes a plush pad for newborns and the manufacturer’s exclusive Comfort-Dry® microfiber that is incredibly soft on baby’s skin. With this design, you won’t have to worry about how comfortable your child is when you are in the car.”

Elitecarsesats.com is dedicated to the safety of children and is proud to offer valuable resources to parents who are looking for the right car seat for their needs. Offering a large selection of the safest and most innovative car seats on the market today from top brands such as Britax, Sunshine Kids, Recaro and Graco, Elitecarseats.com stands behind every product that it sells. For more information, please visit EliteCarSeats.com.

Clek specializes in developing safe and comfortable booster seats that are guaranteed to protect your child comfortably whenever they are travelling in the car.  Clek booster seatsare developed with the belief that it is “all about the ride”, which includes utilizing innovative designs that follow the same safety and quality standards as those found in luxury automobiles.  By including top of the line safety features and the use of the highest quality materials available, Clek booster seats and car seats are made specifically with the needs of children in mind and have been trusted favorite of parents for many years.

Each Clek product design includes a strong focus on comfort, safety, convenience and style, resulting in the safest, most comfortable ride for your child.  Clek booster seats aren’t just safe and comfortable, however, they are also incredibly easy to transport.  The lightweight materials and ergonomically-friendly design makes transporting a Clek booster seat from car to car extremely simple.  With just a few clicks of the LATCH anchoring system, a Clek booster seat can be quickly and easily transferred to any vehicle.  When used according to the product’s specifications, every Clek booster seat meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, ensuring the safest possible ride for your little one.

It’s easy to change up the look of a Clek booster seat, thanks to a large assortment of attractive Clek booster seat covers.  The Clek booster seat covers feature plush, stylish materials that are washable and easy to remove, allowing for a quick style update without having to buy a whole new seat.

All Clek booster seats and car seats are made from 100% North American materials.  The company takes pride in not only using North American materials, but also in using North American facilities in order to complete the final assembly of all Clek products.  This makes it easy for the Clek team to stay close to the entire production process to ensure that the final product stands up to the Clek standard of quality.

Clek offers a full line of Clek booster seats and car seats for every stage of your child’s growth and development.  The current product line includes:

• Clek Oobr:  A full-back booster seat that grows with your child, the Oobr looks just like a typical vehicle seat, but is perfectly sized for your child.  The seat features a metal sub-structure and has a unique recline feature that isn’t often found in a typical booster seat.

• Clek Olli:  This award-winning backless Clek booster seat adds height to your child when sitting in the car to ensure a safe fit with the vehicle’s seatbelt.  The seat features extra padding to increase your child’s comfort and is easy to move from car to car.

• Clek Ozzi:  The backless booster seat from Clek features the unique LATCH anchoring system that installs in just 10 seconds.  This Clek booster seat features the most padding of any Clek booster seat, making it the most comfortable option out there.

Safety 1^st Car Seats have been providing safety and comfort to kids and their parents for many years.  Headquartered in Massachusetts, the company is dedicated to providing Safety 1^st car seats to parents and their loved ones who are looking for the safest car seat design on the market.  Safety 1^st car seats utilize the latest in car seat technology to create designs that are extremely functional, while also retaining comfortable detailing and handy extra features.  Along with innovative design, Safety 1^st car seats have top of the line safety features built into each model.  The Air Protect Revolutionary Side Impact Technology shields the head and stops side impact force through the precise release of air, while the QuickFit harness system adjusts the harness height in one easy step without having to remove the entire seat from the car.  Safety 1^st car seats have several fully adjust able features, such as adjustable headrests and multi-position recline options, making it easy to ensure a safe and comfortable fit throughout your child’s growth.

Safety 1^st car seats are a favorite among parents looking for an affordable and safe option for their little one.  The car seats from Safety 1^st are made from premium fabrics that include special touches like custom embroidery and stylish, original designs.  The materials that are found on Safety 1^st car seats can be easily cleaned, extending the life of your car seat and making it easy it provide a clean environment for your child.  When these simple, yet useful details are added to the safety features of Safety 1^st car seats, the result is an easy to use car seat that makes parent’s lives a little bit safer, and that protects their little ones, no matter where the road takes them.

The full lineup of Safety 1^st car seats includes several popular models, including several Convertible style car seats and booster seats, which can be used in either front facing or rear facing positions.  These types of Safety 1^st car seats are designed to grow with your child and can be used for infants, older babies and toddlers.

The Safety 1^st Summit Deluxe model is a high back booster car seat that can hold up to 100 lbs.  The 5-position adjustable shoulder belt adjusts easily with three buckle locations, and the padded fabric makes it comfortable to use and wear.  One of the most recent Safety 1^st car seats to be released by the company, the Go Hybrid Convertible Booster Seat is one of the easiest booster seats to use and to transfer between cars.  This is one of the Safety 1^st car seats that is known for having the option to use as a forward facing seat and first, and later into a belt-positioning booster seat.  This type of high level functionality and consideration for design is why Safety 1^st car seats have been a family favorite for many years, in addition to the affordable prices available that are offered on the most popular models.

Sunshine Kids are perfect for today’s busy families who are looking for the best protection for their children while they are on the road.  Since 1999, Sunshine Kids car seats have been developed using innovative technology that utilize the latest in car seat safety features and durability tests.  The company, which produces Sunshine Kids car seats, booster seats and accessories, strives to create real-world car seat solutions that address the needs of real-world safety needs.  Sunshine kids car seats and boosters include the high rated Side Impact Protection design and AirTek comfort form that increases airflow and provides maximum comfort.

Utilizing top of the line materials and innovative designs, Sunshine Kids car seats have been in production since 1999, with new and exciting designs being launched in more than 26 countries worldwide, including the US, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.  Sunshine Kids car seats are popular with parents who are looking for an easy to use solution that is both safe and durable.  The safety-tested car seats are carefully designed with the needs of parents and kids in mind, and are designed to easy to use as well.  With convenient features including easy latch systems to simplify the car-to-car process and the buckling in and removing of the child from the car seat, Sunshine Kids car seats are winners when it comes to make things easier on busy parents.  Sunshine Kids car seats can be easily carried and many can be folded, making them perfect for parents who are on the go.

Sunshine Kids car seats come in several popular styles that are safe, durable and easy to clean.  The company’s use of high quality materials when constructing their exclusive car seat designs makes them even more comfortable and durable, making them a versatile option when it comes to car seat choices.  Currently available styles of Sunshine Kids car seats include:

Sunshine Kids radian XTSL Convertible Car Seat
The ideal solution for those who have smaller cars and more than one child, this handy car seat fits 3 seats across and can be sworn slung over your shoulder for easy transport.

Sunshine Kids radian 65 SL Convertible Car Seat
Perfect for travel, the Radian 65 is FAA approved and easy to transport from car to car.

Sunshine Kids Radian 80 SL Convertible Car Seat
This is the best car seat for parents of multiples, the Radian 80 SL fits three across, and can be carried slung over your shoulder when not in use.

Sunshine Kids Santa Fe Booster Seat
This is the safest booster seat for kids who aren’t quite ready to be on a grown up seat. the Santa Fe was designed with AirTek comfort foam and cushy padding to keep your child safe.

Sunshine Kids Monterey Booster Car Seat
Features one of the highest height and weight limits for growing kids, this booster seat includes adjustable Side Impact technology that offers maximum protection while on the road.

Cybex car seats and accessories are designed by parents, for parents.  The company, which was start by a father of two who wanted safe and functional products for his own children, utilizes state of the art European engineering to create innovate Cybex car seats that are as comfortable and durable as they are safe.

Safety is the biggest concern for Cybex, and as a result, all Cybex car seats don’t just meet safety standards – they exceed them.  In addition to addressing the important safety concerns that come with designing car seats, Cybex also places strong importance on developing Cybex car seats that are highly functional and that feature smart designs.  As a result, the company excels at producing car seats and baby accessories that are fun to use and that last for years of enjoyment.

All Cybex car seats undergo rigorous safety and use testing by real parents who value a well-made product that makes their lives easier.  As a result of the valuable feedback that comes from the parents who test Cybex products before they go to market, Cybex car seats and baby accessories include the safety features and functional specifications that parents – and their children – need the most.

Cybex sells a wide variety of car seats, booster seats and accessories, including the award winning Solution X- Fix + Car Seat, which includes the Cybex LATCH guides for easy installation and removal, and a luxurious, safe design to keep children comfortable during all types of trips.  The company also offers one of the safest infant seats available in both Europe and the US.   The Cybex Aton+  Infant Car Seat is extremely lightweight and includes important safety features that make it easy to securely install the car seat and remove it as well.  As a result, babies get a safe ride and parents can easily carry the car seat outside of the vehicle thanks to the lightweight design.

Cybex car seats are designed for use with the appropriate Cybex car seat base.  Cybex currently offers the Cybex Infant Car Seat Adapter and the Cybex Aton Infant Car Seat Base.  The Cybex car seat bases are designed to make it easy to transport baby from car to another and are perfect for use in a second car.  The stay-in-car bases are equipped with a level indicator and quick height adjustment leg to ensure proper positioning and can be used to install a car seat using the safety-tested and approved LATCH system or your vehicle’s safety belts.

When parents select Cybex car seats for their child, they can rest assured that they aren’t just getting one of the safety baby products on the market, they are also getting a big value for their money.  Cybex car seats are easy to use and clean and are very affordable as well.  When it comes to safety, value and comfort, you simply can’t beat high quality Cybex car seats, booster seats and accessories.

The Evenflo Big Kid Amp booster seat is one of the most popular seats that Evenflo offers.  Evenflo has been making juvenile products for over 85 years, and has offices and employees throughout the world.  Their products are easily available for purchase from some of the country’s leading retailers, including Walmart and Amazon.  The Evenflo Big Kid Amp Booster seat was rated a “Best Bet” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2011.  According to Anne McCartt, the Institute’s senior vice president for research, A “Best Bet” rated booster seat should work well in the family SUV or the babysitter’s sedan.  

Evenflo Big Kid Amp Features

The Evenflo Big Kid Amp Booster seat comes in three colors:  red, blue, and pink.  The colors are very vibrant.  Our favorite is the blue, which is a very shiny royal blue color.  The seat pad is removable, which is great because kids are extremely prone to spilling things.  The seat pad is machine washable, which makes it extremely easy to keep clean.  The Big Kid Amp has dual arm cup holders, which should keep your child properly hydrated even on the longest trips. It also has a pivoting arm, which helps make entry and buckling easier.  This booster seat is extremely light , so it can move from rental car, to airplane, and between cars very easily.

The Evenflo Big Kid Amp is designed for kids from 40 to 100 pounds, and a height of up to 57 inches.  As with any product for your child, please read all instructions and warnings on the product and product labels before using the Evenflo Big Kid Amp Booster Seat.

Featuring an online community of parents, families and friends who all share the same concerns for car seat safety, the elitecarseats.com forum is the perfect place to ask questions, read up on the latest product recalls and even get advice on which car set is best for them. The forum features valuable information for everyone from brand new parents looking to buy their first car seat, up to experienced families looking to upgrade to a toddler seat.

Included in the discussion on the forum is information on many of the brands that are sold by Elitecarseats.com, including Angelguard, Cybex, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Peg Perego, Recaro, Chicco and Safe Traffic Systems. In addition to the forum, elitecarseats.com makes learning about car seat safety and choosing the right car seat easy by offering detailed product information on every item that is sold on the site. Additionally, elitecarseats.com offers real customer reviews, making it easy to learn about other parents’ experiences with car seat safety.

Elitecarsesats.com is dedicated to the safety of children and is proud to offer valuable resources to parents who are looking for the right car seat for their needs. Offering a large selection of the safest and most innovative car seats on the market today from top brands such as Britax, Sunshine Kids, Recaro and Graco, Elitecarseats.com stands behind every product that it sells. For more information, please visit http://elitecarseats.com.

The updated Elitecarseats.com site includes a wide selection of car seats from some of the top brands available, including AngelGuard, Cybex, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo and more. Each product that the site offers has been safety tested in-house and complies with US car seat laws, as do the booster seats that are featured on the site.

On Elitecarseats.com, customers can review product information on the updated car seat page, read product reviews from other users and ask questions about the many different types o f car seats that are available – all without leaving the house. The site is designed to be easy to use, while also providing important educational resources for those who want to know more about car seat laws and booster seat laws in the US.

Elitecarseats.com specializes in helping parents find the best car seats for every age. The newly launched site includes infant car seats, convertible car sets, youth and toddler booster seats and special needs carriers. The site’s newly designed navigation and highly detailed product information makes it easy for parents to make the all-important decision of which car seat is best for their child’s needs while also providing easy access to important information about car seat laws.

Elitecarsesats.com is dedicated to the safety of children and is proud to offer valuable resources to parents who are looking for the right car seat for their needs. Offering a large selection of the safest and most innovative car seats on the market today from top brands such as Britax, Sunshine Kids, Recaro and Graco, Elitecarseats.com stands behind every product that it sells. For more information, please visit http://elitecarseats.com.

EliteCarSeats.com aims to provide our savvy customers and expectant parents as many educational resources
as possible regarding car seats and car seat safety. Our Resources section will help you determine what type
of seat your child should be in, whether it be a rear-facing infant seat, a booster seat, or perhaps a convertible car seat.

A Savvy Parent’s Guide to Finding the Right Car Seat

Having a child is not a cheap endeavor. You can literally spend thousands on clothing and equipment. Frugal types can manage on fewer dollars. But unless you’re planning on hoofing it home from the hospital, a car seat is the one item no parent can do without. By law your infant cannot ride in a vehicle unless restrained in an age-appropriate car seat. Your child must remain in a car seat until he or she is at least four or as old as 10, depending on the laws of your state. Given that a car seat is the one non-expendable item in your baby gear repertoire, we at EliteCarSeats.com recommend you read our tutorial on how to buy, install and use a car seat correctly.

Car Seat Types, which is right for you?

The first step in narrowing down the hundreds of choices in car seats is determining which ‘type’ of seat will best suit the needs of you and baby. We’ve put together some pretty simple definitions and comparisons of car seat types below to help you get started.

Infant Car Seat

These car seats are designed to be used from birth until your child is 20-35 pounds, depending on the model. Many manufacturers now make infant car seats that support children up to 30-35 pounds. (This is a notable trend because many babies reach the 20 pound mark well before their first birthday). An infant car seat allows babies to travel in a semi-reclined position. They are designed to be installed in the rear facing position. All infant car seats come with a base that can be secured in the car with seat belts or using LATCH, a system of latches and tethers that eliminates many of the common mistakes people make when installing a car seat. Having a base is a real benefit because it allows you to pull the seat in and out of the car with the click of a button. Often you can purchase additional bases so that the car seat can be installed quickly in multiple vehicles. In a pinch, you can install an infant car seat without its base, but the process is more labor intensive, not to mention more difficult to install correctly.

Upside:

An infant car seat can double as a carrier. It comes with a handle that allows you to take baby out of the car without taking him out of his seat. Most infant car seats can also be secured atop a stroller to create what is commonly referred to as a ‘stroller system’. But, keep in mind, that not every car seat is compatible with every stroller (see chart). Both of these features are helpful because you avoid waking a sleeping baby when moving from one destination to the next.

Downside:

Your child will outgrow their infant seat quickly. In fact, many babies exceed the weight and length maximum well before their first birthday.

Convertible Car Seats

These seats are dubbed convertibles because they can be used rear-facing with an infant, and then reinstalled in the forward-facing position once your child turns 1 and weighs at least 20 pounds. It is best to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, and some newer models have rear-facing weight limitations of up to 45 pounds. When rear facing, the seat can be reclined to a 45 degree angle. In forward facing mode, most kids sit upright, though a few models also allow for a slight recline. Because convertible seats are much larger than infant-only seats, some come with padded inserts to better fit the tiniest passengers.

Upside:

You’ll save money by investing in a car seat that can take you from birth thru those preschool years, or depending on the model, perhaps even older.

Downside:

You’ll have to buckle and unbuckle your infant every time you get in and out of the car. This can be a big hassle because little babies aren’t always amenable to being strapped into the seat’s harness. And if you have to wake them in the process, well, let’s just say, they’ll let you know when they’re unhappy.

Youth & Toddler Combination Seats

Youth and toddler combination seats are designed to be used by children 1 year or older, who weigh more than 20 pounds. During the toddler years, the seat is semi-permanently installed and the child is secured using the seat’s internal harness system. Once your child grows to the point where his shoulders are above the highest harness slot, a combination toddler seat can be converted to a booster seat. One caveat: You’ll want to check the instruction manual to check the weight limit for the five-point-harness. Although these seats are generally good to around 80 pounds, the weight at which they child must utilize the seat as a booster varies from model to model.

Upside:

If you buy a combination youth and toddler seat, you won’t have to spring for a booster seat later.

Downside:

A toddler seat that doubles as a booster will save you money. But it’s likely to be bulkier than a standard booster. No big deal if the car seat stays put. But if you’re hauling through an airport, that extra weight can be a drag.

High-Back Booster Seats

This device is also known as a belt-positioning booster because it essentially lifts the child up to a height where he or she can safely use the car’s lap and shoulder seat belts. A high back booster can be compared to a portable bucket seat. It’s an absolute must if your car has low seat backs or no head rest.

Upside:

Because the seat uses the vehicle’s seat belt to restrain the child, you don’t have to worry about installing the seat correctly. *

Downside:

If your car only has lap belts, you can’t use a booster seat.

*A few models can now be locked in place with the LATCH system, this improves seat stability, but makes installation slightly more complicated.

Backless Booster Seats

Like the high-back booster, a backless booster lifts the child up to a height where he or she can safely use the car’s lap and shoulder seat belts. However, because the seat has no back, it cannot be used in a car with low seat backs or in vehicles without head rests.

Uspide:

Because it’s small and weighs next to nothing, it’s ideal for travel.

Downside:

It’s not as comfortable as a high-back booster because your child doesn’t have additional padding behind the head and torso. No big deal for short car rides. But if you want your child to catch a few zzzs on the road, head support will improve the odds of a restful slumber.

Learning the Lingo

It’s amazing how something as seemingly simple as a child’s car seat can become so, well, confusing. Fortunately, once you become familiar with all the terminology it all begins to make sense. Below are a list of key terms that every parent ought to know.

LATCH

This is an acronym for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, a system that, beginning in 2002, became a standard in nearly all new cars and car seats. Essentially it allows you to install your car seat with anchors and tethers rather than relying on the car’s seat belts. The system improves car seat stability and minimizes the likelihood that the seat is installed incorrectly. Any new car seat you purchase will now be LATCH compatible. However, these same car seats can also be used with the car’s seat belt system. If your car doesn’t have LATCH, don’t sweat it. LATCH isn’t any safer. But it does make installation easier, in most cases.

Locking Clips

This flat metal device is an accessory that comes with all new car seats. It keeps the seat belt’s webbing taught when routing it through the car seat. It’s a necessity in certain car models to ensure the car seat is installed properly. How do you know if you need one for your vehicle? Consult your car owner’s manual. A handful of car seats now offer belt lock offs, which keep the belt taut without relying on a locking clip. Basically, you thread the seat belt through the router and then ‘lock off’ the seat belt with a clamp attached to the seat. A properly secured seat should not move more than an inch forward or to the sides while belted into place.

Harness System

Unlike a basic lap and shoulder belt, these safety belts, available in three point and five point configurations, consist of a series of straps that keep the child restrained in their seat. In a crash situation, the straps help spread the energy over the chest, pelvis, and shoulders. With a five-point harness (two shoulder straps, two hips straps and a crotch strap) the impact of the crash will be spread out further than with a three-point harness (two straps over the shoulder and one between the crotch). However, both of these mechanisms offer better protection than a lap and shoulder belt.

EPS and EPP Foam

EPS, also known as expanded polystyrene foam, is basically like Styrofoam. EPP, expanded polypropylene foam, is similar to EPS but is a denser material and less rigid. These materials help absorb the energy of a collision. To put it in perspective, EPS is the same material used to line bicycle helmets. You won’t find it in some of the lower end car seats because it’s not a federal requirement. But, obviously, a nice feature if you can afford it.

Side Impact Protection or SIP

According to current government safety standards a car seat must only protect a child against the most common type of crash which is a front-end collision. That’s not to say that the car seat won’t protect your child from a side-impact collision. They simply aren’t tested on how they would withstand such a collision. However, several car seat manufacturers have done independent testing. They now offer car seats with ‘wings’ around the head and/or torso. This small design innovation means that your child will be better protected in the event of a broadside accident. It’s particularly useful if you plan to install the car seat behind the driver’s or front passenger’s seat, as these positions offer less crash protection than the car’s rear middle seat.

No Thread Harnesses

One of the biggest headaches with a car seat’s harness system is that every time your child goes through a growth spurt, you have to re-thread the harness straps. It’s a little complicated, and it means having to uninstall and reinstall the car seat to change the harness height. But a car seat with a no-thread adjuster will save you the aggravation. Simply spin the knob, or raise the lever and the harness’s shoulder height can be adjusted to your child’s current needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Did LATCH Become a Standard?
LATCH is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization. In other countries, LATCH may be called LUAS, UAS, ISOFIX, and UCSSS. LATCH simplifies child restraint installation.

Beginning with 2003 model year vehicles, all cars sold in the United States must be equipped with the entire LATCH system. With a few exceptions, all car seats manufactured after September 1, 2002 feature LATCH.

Cars, minivans, and light trucks are required to have anchor points between the vehicle’s seat cushion and the seat back in at least two rear seating positions. Some pre-2003 model year cars have LATCH. Your car owner’s manual will tell you if your older model has LATCH.

Before the current LATCH regulations, Congress mandated top tether anchors for all 2000 model year vehicles. If your car was manufactured between 2000 and 2003, install your seat using the top tether in conjunction with the safety belt.

Why is LATCH needed?
80% of all car seats are installed incorrectly. Relatedly, car accidents are the number one cause of death in children under age 14, and incorrect car seat installation significantly contributes to the high rate of car accident child mortality. Easier car seat installation improves proper child restraint use and reduces mortality. Plus, LATCH makes for greater compatibility among car seats and vehicles.

What if your vehicle doesn’t have LATCH? Don’t worry, car seats installed properly using either LATCH or your vehicle’s seat belts are equally safe. With both LATCH and seat-belt installation, have your car seat inspected at a car seat fitting station. Visit the NHTSA’s website to find an inspection station near you.

Where is LATCH?
LATCH-equipped cars have anchors located at two points on the back-seat. To find the anchors, run your fingers between the seat cushion and the seat back. Feel two hooks? These are your LATCH anchors. You can also look for the button-like indicators above the anchor points or consult your vehicle owners manual for exact locations.

Now, peek at the rear shelf area of your car. See another anchor? This is the top tether. Can’t find it? Check your owner’s manual. Some vehicles, such as minivans and SUV’s place the tether anchors on the floor, under the seat, or on the ceiling. Distinguishing between cargo tie areas and top tether anchor points can be tricky in SUVs and minivans. Give your vehicle owner’s manual a once over to make sure you get it right.

On your car seat, the two straps located near the base are your lower anchor straps. These have hooks or buckles. The top tether strap is located at the top of the car seat and has a hook or buckle at the end.

How Do I Use LATCH?
Before going crazy with LATCH, read your car seat’s installation instructions and your car owner’s manual. While the instructions below apply to just about any car seat with LATCH, important factors such as weight limits vary by car seat and vehicle model.

Rear-facing
Attach the lower LATCH connectors to the lower anchor bars. Confirm that the lower connector belts aren’t twisted and that they are secured with the opening of the hook facing down and not up. Press the car seat’s base firmly against the vehicle seat back and bottom. Tighten the LATCH belt by pressing down firmly on the car seat with your non-dominant hand and pulling the lower connector belts tight with the other hand.

Once installed, the seat should be tight enough so that no more than an inch side to side or front to back movement is possible. Make sure the car seat is at a 45 degree angle. Some car seats have adjustable bases to provide proper recline, while others require you to prop a rolled up towel or pool noodle underneath the base to achieve the appropriate angle. Some convertible car seats allow the use of top tether for rear-facing installation. Always use the top tether in these cases.

Forward-facing

Attach the lower LATCH connectors to the lower anchor bars. Confirm that the belts aren’t twisted and that they are secured with the hook facing down. Press the car seat firmly against the vehicle seat back and bottom. Tighten the LATCH belts by pressing the car seat down firmly against the vehicle seat back and bottom. Tighten the LATCH belts by pressing the car seat down firmly with your non-dominant hand and pulling the lower connector belts tight with the other hand. Attach the top tether strap to the appropriate anchor point. Tighten the strap. Once installed the seat should be tight enough so that no more than an inch of side to side or front to back movement is possible.

When should I NOT use LATCH?
If you’ve already installed your car seat with the vehicle’s seat belts, do not use LATCH. Use only LATCH or seat belts for installation – not both. Check both the car seat’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner manual for guidance on which lower anchor and top tether anchor points to use. Some vehicles and car seats are not approved for LATCH installations in the center rear seat. Always follow the car seat and vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines.

LATCH is not neccessary for installing belt-positioning booster seats. Some booster seats allow LATCH installation. Booster seat installation with LATCH has not been proven to improve child passenger safety, however, LATCH installation dowes prevent the booster seat from shifting in the car and harming other passengers when it is not in use.

Cheat Sheet

• LATCH anchor points are located between the rear seat cushion and seat back. The top tether anchor point is usually located on the rear shelf, the floor, the ceiling, or under the rear seat.
• When installed correctly, car seats using either LATCH or your vehicle’s safety belts are equally safe.
• All cars manufactured with model year 2003 and aftter have LATCH.
• Always read your vehicle owner’s manual and car seat installation instructions.
• LATCH isn’t any safer than seat belt installation – it’s just easier. If you’re not getting a good fit with LATCH, try seat belt installation and stick with the system that provides the best fit.

1. Check car seat laws in states to which you are traveling. States differ in age, height, and weight requirements for use of a car or booster seat.
2. Verify that your car seat is FAA approved. You will need to determine whether your car seat is suitable for airplane use. Also, booster seats may not be used on airplanes because airplane seats have only lap belts.
3. Confirm your airline’s regulations for car seats.
4. When driving, make frequent stops. Babies and young children go batty without a little time outside of the car. Check the map before you start your drive and choose convenient rest stops and hotels. Pick a few outdoor locations using www.nps.gov, which lists parks in the United States.
5. When driving, do not take baby out of their car seat while your car is in motion. You may be tempted to remove them from the car seat for feeding or comfort, but remember that the safest practice is to pull over before lifting them out of the safety of her car seat.
6. Time car trips around baby’s sleep schedule. Start the drive when baby starts their longest nap or before they settle down for the night. You’ll help maintain their sleep schedule and give you more time to focus on the road.
7. If possible, have one parent sit in the back seat of the car with baby. Babies get fussy when they’re bored or lonely, and having a friend to keep them company helps.
8. Treat motion sickness by stopping the car and getting fresh air. You may also try opening the windows and telling your child to look outside. Should you choose medication, consult your doctor first.
9. Make use of a portable DVD player. Your sanity will thank you.
10. Bring along games and toys for the road or plane trip. For babies, bring new toys or baby-safe household items for them to explore. Play games like Peek-a-boo and “Where is Thumbkin?” For older children, bring along coloring books, play license plates, or have them keep a journal of what they see along the road.
11. Pack plenty of extra outfits for baby and you. When baby makes a mess, and then transfers some of that mess onto you, you’ll be glad of the extra clothes!
12. Invest in a baby stroller travel system. Lightweight options from Evenflo and Graco make moving quickly through TSA checkpoints a snap. And because stroller travel systems come complete with infant car seats, baby always has a place to rest.
13. Make your car seat portable with handy travel accessories. The Go-Go Babyz gogo Kidz Travelmate turns your car seat into a wheeled tote, giving your arms a break.
14. To reduce air pressure on young ears, have babies nurse or suck on a bottle during take-off and landing. Older children can chew gum or eat sucking candy. If your baby or toddler is still uncomfortable, ask the flight attendant for hot, damp towels and two cups. Place the towels in the bottom of the cups and cover baby’s ears with the cups. The steam helps to equalize ear pressure.
15. Check the TSA’s website for regulations on flying with baby formula and breast milk. Baby formula, baby food, and breast milk are allowed in bottles exceeding 3 ounces and are not required to be in a zip-top bag. You must declare these items prior to screening. As anyone who has flown lately knows, these regulations change often – confirm the latest rules before flying. Follow these links to the TSA’s permitted and prohibited items and regulations on air travel with children.