Check with your doctor before leaving the hospital. To provide extra support to any small infant, tightly roll a cloth diaper or a receiving blanket along the sides of the body, neck, or head. A tightly rolled towel between the infant and crotch strap can prevent slouching. When switching the seat for forward-facing use, install in the upright position and readjust the harness straps to the top slots. A tray-like shield that swings down around the child.
Experts say the five-point harness protects infants and toddlers best.
You can tell if your child is too big for her seat if her shoulders are above the harness strap slots or her ears are above the back of the seat. If the seat comes with a harness, use it for kids under 40 pounds. For kids above that weight, harness should be removed and the seat secured with the car's lap and shoulder belts. You may come across a booster seat with a shield, once recommended when no shoulder belt was available. These no longer meet federal safety standards for children over 40 pounds and should not be used unless you remove the shield and secure the seat with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belts.