When reviewing car seat safety for a 1-month-old infant, which instruction should the nurse include?

When reviewing car seat safety for a 1-month-old infant, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Use a car seat with a three-point harness system.
• B. Position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing.
• C. Secure the car seat in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
• D. Convert to a booster seat after 12 months.

Answer: (B)

Infants ride best when the car seat is rear-facing and placed in the back seat. This orientation better protects the head, neck, and spine in a crash by cradling the child's body and distributing forces along the seat rather than the neck. For a 1-month-old, keep the seat at the appropriate angle so the airway stays open, and use a snug harness that sits at or below the shoulders with the chest clip at armpit level. Front-seat placement, especially with an active airbag, increases injury risk and should be avoided. Booster seats are not appropriate for such a young infant; they’re for older children who have outgrown rear-facing limits. Always follow the car seat’s manual and current safety guidelines.

Infants ride best when the car seat is rear-facing and placed in the back seat. This orientation better protects the head, neck, and spine in a crash by cradling the child's body and distributing forces along the seat rather than the neck. For a 1-month-old, keep the seat at the appropriate angle so the airway stays open, and use a snug harness that sits at or below the shoulders with the chest clip at armpit level. Front-seat placement, especially with an active airbag, increases injury risk and should be avoided. Booster seats are not appropriate for such a young infant; they’re for older children who have outgrown rear-facing limits. Always follow the car seat’s manual and current safety guidelines.