When it comes to travelling with your little one, nothing matters more than safety, and a big part of that is using a car seat that is correctly installed. A properly installed car seat can be life-saving and seriously prevent injuries, but many parents unknowingly get it wrong.
In fact, 59% of all car seats are installed incorrectly, significantly reducing their effectiveness in a crash. That’s why learning how to put a car seat in a car safely is one of the most important skills for any parent or caregiver.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car seat safety and how to put one in your car properly, so you can feel confident when travelling with your child.
Are All Car Seats Safe?
Yes, most certified car seats are designed to be very safe, but only when used correctly.
When used properly, car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.
The key is that they must be installed correctly, your child should be positioned properly, and the seat must be suitable for your child’s age, height, and weight.
Where Is the Safest Place to Put a Car Seat in the Car?
The middle-rear seat is the safest place to put a car seat in the car.
The most common crash involves the front of the car being impacted, meaning that the back seat is usually a safer place to travel. The middle seat is the safest in particular because it’s furthest away from both side impacts and direct points of collision, offering an extra layer of protection for your child.
The safest place to put a car seat is the middle-rear seat as it’s away from front and side impacts.
It’s also important to consider airbags when positioning a car seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat if there is an active airbag, as the force of deployment can cause serious injury or even be fatal to a baby.
Even if you have a forward-facing seat, the back seat is always the safest option, as it keeps your child away from front airbags entirely.How to Put in a Car Seat Step By Step
Installing a car seat properly can feel intimidating at first, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process much easier.1. Read Both Manuals Carefully
Before you start, read your car seat manual and your vehicle’s user manual carefully.Your manuals are the exact place that will show you where the anchor points are, which seating positions are suitable, the correct belt path to use and any specific warnings you need to be aware of.
2. Choose the Right Installation Method
You can choose either ISOFIX or seatbelt installation methods, with ISOFIX being the easiest option for beginners.
ISOFIX tends to be the easiest option for beginners, so if your car supports it, go for this one. ISOFIX connectors attach directly to anchor points built into your car, creating a secure connection with less room for mistakes.
However, if your car doesn’t have ISOFIX, or you’d rather use a seatbelt, your child can still be very safe with this type of installation. You just have to ensure the belt is routed correctly and tightened fully.
3. Secure the Car Seat Firmly in Place
Once you’ve chosen your installation method, it’s time to secure the car seat.
If You’re Using ISOFIX:
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Pull out the ISOFIX fixing points of our base or car seat. These are the yellow metal bars.
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Place the base or car seat on the back seat of your car.
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Line up the connectors with the anchor points in your car seat.
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Push firmly until you hear a clear ‘click’ on both sides.
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Check for any indicators, such as green markers, showing the seat is locked correctly.
If You’re Using a Seatbelt:
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Place the base or car seat on the back seat of your car.
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Thread the seatbelt through the correct belt path as shown in the manual.
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Buckle the seatbelt securely.
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Pull the belt tight while pressing down on the car seat to remove any slack.
Use your body weight, such as by pressing down with your knee or hand, to help secure the seat firmly as you tighten it.
To check if you’ve done it correctly, make sure the seat doesn’t move more than 1 inch or 2.5cm side-to-side or front-to-back when tested at the belt path.
4. Check & Adjust the Recline Angle
The next step is to adjust the car seat recline angle because it directly affects both your child’s safety and comfort. Car seats are crash-tested at specific angles, so following the recommended recline ensures the seat performs as designed in the event of an accident.
If you have a baby, this is especially important because a seat that is too upright can cause your baby’s head to fall forward, which can restrict breathing and increase the risk of suffocation.
Adjust the recline angle of your car seat to the manufacturer’s recommended setting to ensure the seat performs as expected in crash tests.
Most rear-facing car seats have built-in indicators or guides that show whether the seat is at the correct angle.
Check and adjust the recline until it matches the recommended position for your baby’s age and size. Some seats include adjustable bases or recline settings to help you achieve this safely.
If you have a forward-facing seat, the seat is typically more upright, but you should still follow the manufacturer’s recommended recline setting.
5. Attach the Top Tether (Only for Forward-Facing Seats)
Forward-facing seats require an extra step of attaching the top tether strap, which plays a critical role in reducing how far the seat moves forward during a sudden stop or collision.
The tether is usually at the top back of the car seat and connects to an anchor point in your vehicle, which is often behind the seat or in the boot area.
Once you’ve attached it, pull the strap tight to remove slack, and you’re done!
Choosing the Best Car Seats for Baby to Toddler
Choosing a reliable, high-quality car seat makes installation and everyday use much easier.
At The Tiny Toddlers, we recommend going for trusted brands such as Jovikid. Their designs are ideal if you want a long-term solution, as many models are made to grow with your child from baby through toddler years without the need to constantly switch seats.
Here are our top 3 favourites:
1. JoviKids Ranger TT 360 Spin ISOFIX Car Seat (Birth to 12 Years)
The Jovikids Ranger TT 360 Spin ISOFIX Car Seat is a practical, long-lasting option designed to support your child from newborn through to around 12 years.
It has features like 360° rotation to allow you to easily lift your child in and out, and it supports extended rearward-facing travel up to 18kg, which is widely recommended for improved safety.
It’s available in the colour Twilight as pictured, as well as Rosewood and Milkstone.
2. JoviKids Ranger 2 i-Size Car Seat with Leg Extension Cushion (Birth to 12 Years)
The Jovikids Ranger 2 i-Size Car Seat is an upgraded all-stage option designed to grow with your child from birth up to around 12 years, combining long-term value with everyday practicality.
It includes a unique leg-extension comfort cushion, which helps support your child’s legs in a more natural position, improving their comfort, especially on longer journeys.
It’s available in the colour Rosewood as pictured, as well as Milkstone and Twilight.
3. Jovikids CICI TT i-Size Child Seat 76–150cm (15 Months to 12 Years)
The Jovikids CICI TT i-Size Child Seat is a practical forward-facing option designed for children from around 15 months up to 12 years, making it a great choice for parents looking for a long-lasting solution.
It features ISOFIX and top tether installation for added stability, while keeping your vehicle floor space completely clear, and an adjustable headrest.
It’s available in the colour Milkstone as pictured, as well as Rosewood, Twilight, Green, Blue, and Black.
Ready to Travel Safely?
Making sure your child’s car seat is installed correctly is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect them on every journey.
If you’re ready to upgrade or find a seat that grows with your child, browse our carefully selected range of car seats.
If you’d like to talk through your options and gain support in deciding which one is best for you, please contact our team.
