Infant car seats and leaving the hospital
Ask your hospital early. NHTSA and the AAP have the details.
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Ask your hospital early
Ask your hospital or birth center early whether it needs anything from you about a car seat before your baby goes home. The American Academy of Pediatrics says: "All infants should ride rear-facing, starting with their first ride home from the hospital."
What NHTSA says
NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, says: "Select a car seat based on your child's age and size, then choose a seat that fits in your vehicle, and use it every time." It also says: "Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat."
The maker's instructions and your manual
NHTSA says to always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer's instructions, and to read the vehicle owner's manual on how to install the car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to check both your vehicle owner's manual and the car seat's own manual every time you install the seat. We give no installation steps of our own.
Inspection stations
NHTSA points readers to car seat inspection stations, where certified technicians check car seats and show parents how to install and use them. Its Car Seat Inspection Finder lists stations and virtual inspectors. The AAP suggests that expectant parents get help from a certified child passenger safety technician ahead of the baby's arrival.
Register the seat
NHTSA says to register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive recalls and safety notices. It says you can also sign up with NHTSA to receive email alerts about car seat recalls.
FAQ
General information only, not medical advice. We are not a hospital, birth center, or health care provider, and we cannot tell you what your hospital provides, allows, or requires. Ask your clinician and your hospital or birth center what to bring and what to expect. For car seats, follow the seat maker's instructions and your vehicle owner's manual, and see NHTSA's car seat guidance. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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