If you were an infant in the 1950s, your parents probably didn’t have a car seat for you when they took you along for a ride.  In fact, some cars from that era didn’t even have safety belts. But you simply can’t get away with that nowadays. That’s why we have infant car seats.

But they need to be installed properly before they ensure safety. Here are some car seat safety tips you can use in your certified Ford for maximum protection.

• Newborns should only ride in car seats that face the rear. Babies under 20 pounds are more fragile, and the stopping and starting can cause their necks to jar if facing forward.

• If your particular car seat has a base that stays in the car while the seat actually detaches, make sure you hear the click every time you put it back in the car. Without the click, it’s not securely installed.

• Make sure the harness is fastened properly. Also, make sure it’s not too tight or too loose. Either situation could cause serious injury.

• Toddlers should be in front-facing car seats.

• Always have the rear-facing car seat in the back. It might be more convenient to have it in the front passenger space, but that’s not the safest place for it.

These are just a few tips to help you protect your most precious cargo–your child. Don’t skimp on the car seat and don’t cut corners. It could literally be a life-or-death situation.