At what age can infants use car seats?
3 Answers
Infants can only use car seats after they are seven months old. Here are some precautions for using infant car seats: 1. Installation position: Infant car seats should not be installed in the front passenger seat with airbags. The position behind the driver's seat is generally the safest location in the car. 2. Seat protection: Avoid exposing the car seat to corrosive substances and prolonged direct sunlight to prevent damage to the safety materials inside the seat. 3. Keep the seatbelt tight: When securing the infant car seat with the vehicle's seatbelt, ensure the seatbelt is retracted to a tight state after installation to keep the car seat stable.
Newborns can start using car safety seats, especially rear-facing infant seats. Experts recommend using them from the moment of birth because a baby's neck is particularly fragile, and rear-facing installation better protects the head and neck, reducing impact injuries in the event of a collision. Remember not to delay—some parents think they only need it after a few months, which is very dangerous. From my parenting experience, many accidents happen in the first few weeks, and holding a baby in your arms isn't safe either; an infant seat can save lives. When installing, ensure the seat fits snugly against the car seat and adjust the angle properly, otherwise, the baby may sit uncomfortably. Also, regularly check the seatbelt and headrest, and choose a reliable brand, such as one with side-impact protection, using it until around 1 year old or until the weight limit is reached. An infant seat is the first line of protection for a child in a car—never take it lightly.
I've always insisted that infants should use car seats from 0 months old, especially rear-facing models. As a parent myself, I know the first few months are the highest-risk period because babies' bones aren't fully developed - rear-facing seats distribute impact forces during sudden braking or collisions. Many new parents make the mistake of waiting until their baby is several months old before buying a seat. Choose a detachable model with a base for easy carrying, but don't cut corners - it must be securely installed using seat belts or the LATCH system. Pay attention to ventilation, as an overheated seat will make babies fussy. I recommend periodic professional checks of the seat angle to ensure proper positioning. Keep using rear-facing seats until at least age 1 before considering forward-facing models. Safety is no trivial matter - it starts with these small details.
