No, you should never drive with the car seat handle (carry handle) in the upright position. It is a significant safety risk. In a collision, the raised handle creates a dangerous projectile within the vehicle's cabin that can cause severe injury to your child or other passengers. Car seat manufacturers and safety organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explicitly design these handles to be stowed away according to the manual during travel.
The primary reason is the integrity of the crumple zone. Modern vehicles are engineered with specific crumple zones that absorb impact energy. A car seat is a critical part of this safety system for a child. When the carry handle is up, it can alter how the seat reacts in a crash, potentially compromising its ability to protect your child. The handle can also interfere with the proper installation and recline angle of the seat, which is vital for an infant's airway.
Proper handle position varies by model. Some seats require the handle to be in a specific, lowered position for travel, while others may allow it to be set back behind the seat. There is no universal rule except to always follow your specific car seat's instruction manual. This is non-negotiable for safety.
| Car Seat Brand | Typical Travel Position for Infant Seat Handle | Rationale |
|---|
| Graco | Must be lowered to a specific position (e.g., down or behind the seat) | Prevents interference with crash performance and airbag deployment. |
| Chicco | Usually must be stowed in the rear-facing carry position. | Ensures the seat's structural integrity is maintained during an impact. |
| Evenflo | Often required to be down and locked into a base position. | Maintains the designed safety shell and prevents it from becoming a hazard. |
| Britax | Typically must be lowered to the base level. | Keeps the handle from impacting the vehicle's interior in a crash. |
| UPPAbaby | Must be stowed in the rear-facing position behind the seat. | Designed to clear vehicle seats and maintain a safe cocooning effect. |
The safest practice is to make stowing the handle part of your pre-driving routine, just like buckling your own seatbelt. Double-check the position every time you secure your child.
