How to install a newborn car seat correctly

Car seat installation errors are extremely common — studies suggest more than half of seats are installed incorrectly. The key rules for infant car seats: always rear-facing for newborns, installed at the correct recline angle (usually 30–45 degrees, indicated on the seat), no more than one inch of side-to-side movement at the belt path, and the chest clip positioned at armpit level. Use either the vehicle's seat belt or the LATCH system — not both simultaneously unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.

Once installed, do a firm tug on the base to confirm it doesn't move. Most fire stations and many hospitals offer free car seat inspection by certified technicians — this is strongly worth doing before your due date.