Three Important Things to Remember When Putting Your Infant in a Car Seat

Bringing your baby home from the hospital is one of the most exciting milestones for new parents—and one of the first safety challenges you’ll face. Proper car seat positioning is essential for your newborn’s safety, especially for premature or low-birth-weight infants. At NEOwell, we help families bridge the transition from hospital to home, and that includes ensuring your little one travels safely every time.

Here are three important things to remember when buckling your baby into their car seat:

1. Shoulder Straps Should Be at or Below the Shoulders

For rear-facing car seats, the harness straps must be at or just below your baby’s shoulders. This positioning keeps your baby secure and prevents them from sliding upward during sudden stops. Check the harness slots—many seats have multiple levels to grow with your baby. If your baby is a preemie or has a small frame, start with the lowest slot setting.

NEOwell Tip: After tightening the straps, try the “pinch test.” If you can’t pinch any excess webbing at your baby’s shoulders, the harness is snug enough.

2. Chest Clip at Armpit Level

The chest clip should always be positioned at the level of your baby’s armpits, centered on the chest—not on the tummy or neck. When the clip is too low, your baby could slip out of the harness in a crash; when it’s too high, it can press uncomfortably on the throat.

Remember: The chest clip keeps the harness straps properly aligned over your baby’s shoulders, providing even restraint across the chest during sudden movement.

3. Avoid Added Head or Body Supports Unless They Come With the Car Seat

It’s tempting to add cute pillows, head supports, or inserts for comfort—but these can interfere with the seat’s tested safety performance. Only use head or body supports that came with your car seat or are approved by the manufacturer. Aftermarket products that weren’t crash-tested with your specific model may affect how well the seat protects your baby.

NEOwell Reminder: You can roll and tuck small receiving blankets alongside your baby’s body (not behind or under) for extra stability—just like your NICU nurses may have shown you.

Every Ride, Every Drive

Your baby’s safety starts with every car ride. Taking a few extra seconds to position the straps and clip correctly can make all the difference. If you’re unsure about your setup, many local hospitals, fire departments, and NICU programs offer car seat safety checks.

At NEOwell, we help families navigate these details during our Newborn Care Classes and NICU Discharge Support visits—so you can feel confident bringing your little one home.

Schedule a consultation with a NEOwell Nurse Practitioner today to learn more about newborn care and car seat safety in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area.