How to choose an infant car seat | Bringing Baby Home
There are so many things to do before bringing baby home from the hospital. One thing is for certain, if you have a car, you’ll need a properly-installed rear-facing infant car seat to bring your baby home safely.
What to look for when shopping for an infant car seat
Be sure to choose an infant car seat that has the National Safety Mark (NSM) on the label. This label certifies that the product complies with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for restraint systems and booster seat safety. Do not buy a car seat that does not have a NSM label.
Did you know car seats come with expiry dates, also called useful life dates? It is especially important to look for this date if you are considering buying a second-hand car seat from a family member or close friend. Materials deteriorate with age and wear that’s why it’s important to check the expiry date. Most car seats are good for 5 – 10 years depending on the manufacturer but don’t use a car seat that's been in a collision regardless of how old it is.
Some other things to consider when choosing a car seat include: whether the car seat comes with an instruction booklet, if it can be installed properly in your vehicle and if the straps are easy to adjust. When considering what model to buy, know that the Canadian Safety Council recommends an infant-only, rear-facing car seat for young infants.
Proper positioning
Until your baby is at least 10kg (22 pounds), he should ride in a rear-facing infant car seat in the back seat, according Canada Safety Council. This keeps your eyes on the road, and protects him from airbags. Children should not ride in the front seat of a car until they are 13 years old.
Snug fit
Try the seat in your vehicle a few weeks before baby is due. Fasten the car seat firmly in the car so it’s level; it shouldn’t move more than 2.5cm (1in.) to the front, or side where the belt is attached. Once it's installed, keep the car seat instructions handy - you'll need them later to adjust the seat as your baby grows. And remember to send in the registration card for your car seat, in case of a recall.
Making baby comfy
Not surprisingly, your brand-new baby will look tiny in his car seat. When bringing home baby be sure to set the shoulder straps/harness at the lowest slot so that they are level with or below the shoulders. The harness should be snug so one finger fits between the baby's collarbone and the strap. The chest clip should be at armpit level.
Check it out
Call your local public health unit, police station or provincial transportation department to find out where your infant car seat can be checked for proper installation. Some hospitals, fire stations and police departments also provide this service.
Here are some links to more information on how to install your baby’s car seat safely:
Related articles
Birth plan | Labour Signs
Here’s an outline that starts with your third trimester, and takes you right through to your upcoming labour.
4 mins to read
Your baby growth at 6 month of pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 23 – 27. Your baby develops movements that will later help it take its first whiff of air in the world, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid.
3 mins to read
It’s not just breast milk, it’s nature’s own defense system
Did you know…? The natural protection in breast milk will help nurture your newborn.
2 mins to read
10 tips for a good sleep during the 3rd trimester
Stress, hormonal upheaval, and a growing abdomen: all these factors can cause insomnia, nighttime dreaming and nightmares, resulting in fatigue and drowsiness during the day.
2 mins to read
Childproofing Your Home: Safety first!
Your house is about to become home to all kinds of firsts for your new family addition—make sure everyone can share every special moment in a safe environment where your baby can thrive!
8 mins to read
Effects on you at the eighth month of pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 32-35. Your baby is still developing as you near the finish line and it’s mostly adding the finishing touches from here on out.
3 mins to read
Your Pregnancy & Birth Team: Choosing a Midwife, Location, and more
You might think it’s too early to start planning for the big day, but it’s never too early to starting thinking about what kind of birthing experience will be the ideal one for you.
5 mins to read
Boost your breastfeeding confidence
Did you know? Developing your support network now can help you feel good about feeding your baby later.
2 mins to read
First month of pregnancy symptoms
Your pregnancy: weeks 1-4 – the start of your first trimester. The first signs of pregnancy may be very obvious… or not at all.
3 mins to read
First trimester pregnancy
You’re expecting—what an exciting time!
3 mins to read
9 month of pregnancy : Your baby is almost here
Your pregnancy: weeks 36 – 39. It’s the final countdown to your baby’s grand entrance!
3 mins to read
What to pack in your baby hospital bag
Packing for the hospital is not quite as simple as packing for a weekend trip since you leave home pregnant, and return with an extra bundle of joy.
3 mins to read
Get ready, get set... breastfeed!
Did you know? The “superpowers” of breast milk for your baby (and you) cannot be underestimated—and pregnancy is the perfect time to prepare.
2 mins to read
What to expect in the second month of your pregnancy
Your pregnancy: weeks 5-8. A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is important during this stage.
3 mins to read
Your hospital breastfeeding checklist
Make sure your feeding plans don’t get overlooked in all the excitement of your new arrival.
1 min to read
Prenatal multivitamins and folic acid for pregnancy
A lack of folic acid during pregnancy leads to higher risk of neural tube defects in the baby. Learn about supplementing with folic acid and how much you need.
4 mins to read
Third month of pregnancy symptoms
Your pregnancy: weeks 9-13. Your silhouette still may not show your pregnancy, but you begin to feel that the baby is there.
3 mins to read
What to pack in your hospital bag
Time to think about what to pack for your new baby—including that special going-home outfit—and for yourself, as well as what you might need for breastfeeding.
1 min to read
How to exercise safely through pregnancy
Why 30 minutes a day can impact a lifetime.
4 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
