Choosing Safe Baby Products: Infant Seats & Child Safety Seats

Infant/Baby Seats

Infant/baby seats are seats for babies that sit on the floor. This includes “bouncy seats” and rockers.

Important note: Infant/baby seats are not designed to protect a baby in a car crash and should never be used in a vehicle instead of a car seat.

What to look for:

• The base (bottom of the infant seat) should be wider than the seat, and the locking mechanisms should be secure. Push down on the seat to make sure it is sturdy.
• The base should have nonskid surfacing to prevent the seat from moving on a smooth surface.
• The safety belt should be secure, and the fabric should be washable.
• If wire supporting devices snap on the back of the seat, make sure they are secure so that they do not pop out and cause the seat to collapse.

Safety Notes:

• Do not leave your baby in an infant/baby seat without a responsible adult nearby.
• Never place your baby in an infant/baby seat on a table, counter, or other raised surface — your child could fall. Don't put it on the washing machine or any other vibrating surface because the vibrations could cause the seat to move and fall.
• Use the safety belt every time you place your baby in the seat.
• Don't place the seat on soft surfaces (such as beds or sofas) because it may tip over and the baby could suffocate.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is flat on their back in a crib. If your baby falls asleep in the infant/baby seat, move them to their crib.
• Stop using the infant/baby seat as soon as your baby outgrows the height or weight limit.