Car Seat Information

Ready to roll? Infant car seat advice for a safe ride.

Before your baby can leave the hospital by car, they’ll need to be in an approved car seat - Washington state law.

We recommend that you buy a new car seat and read the manuals for both the vehicle and the car seat carefully before installing and using it. Car seats should not be used past their expiration date; this date can be found in the car seat manual.

Getting a used car seat can be risky - there may be no way to tell if it has been in an accident or if its safety has been compromised in other ways.

Most parents opt for a Rear-Facing Only car seat at first, which has a carrying handle.

Fitting and safety tips

• The middle of the back seat is the best practice spot to install your child’s car seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in a spot with an active frontal air bag.
• Make sure the car seat is installed tightly in the vehicle. You shouldn’t be able to wiggle it more than about an inch in any direction with a gentle handshake at the belt path.
• Harness straps should fit snugly enough against your child so you are not able to pinch any strap webbing on both shoulders and on either hips. The chest clip should be at approximately armpit level.
• When your child is safely in the harness, they should not be wearing any thick clothing or have a blanket underneath them.
• Check the instructions to see if the carrying handle should be in the up or down position when in the car.

For more information on choosing the right car seat and installing it properly, attend Swedish’s class on car seat safety and installation.