Car seat installation guide: Protecting your baby on the go

Installing your car seat correctly is essential to keeping your baby protected on the go. Below, we’ll share general tips for installing any car seat, along with easy steps for setting up the Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna. 

Car seat installation tips 

1) Choose a quality car seat 

No matter how well you install your car seat, if the seat itself is faulty or sub-par, it isn't safe, so when you buy a new car seat, quality is essential. You also need to make sure it meets all the most recent safety standards, and that it's been rigorously tested. Registering your new car seat with your manufacturer is a must too — this way you can stay up to date on important product information or be easily notified about potential recalls if there was an issue with a product. 

2) Refer to the manual 

Always check your car seat manual for installation instructions, as every car seat is designed differently and may have specific guidelines that need to be followed. If you've misplaced the manual (not to worry, it can happen), try searching online for your car seat’s model. Most brands will have a digital version of their manuals. 

3) Contact a Child Passenger Safety Technician 

Consider getting help from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). They're trained experts who not only understand the nuances of different car seat models and vehicles but they also stay up-to-date on the latest safety guidelines. CPSTs can often be found at fire departments, hospitals, or local community safety events. To find one near you, ask your OBGYN, check with local hospitals, or use the Safe Kids Worldwide website’s search tool. 

4) Buckle your baby in 

Clip your baby in according to your car seat’s instructions, and adjust the harness so that it sits tightly against their body but they're still comfortable. If you can't fit two fingers under the straps, they're on too tight. If more than two fingers fit, they're too loose. You can also do a "pinch test" to check the tightness. If you can pinch any of the straps, they're too loose. 

Don't put your baby in the seat with a winter coat on, as bulky clothing can create a false sense that the harness is secured tightly. 

Car seat installation: The Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna 

The Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna is our lightweight infant car seat to easily transport your baby from day one. It's ultralight yet packed with protective features, including shock-absorbing Tailor tech™ memory foam in the headrest, plus EPP energy-absorbing foam. Its adjustable head support, Merino wool mix baby insert, and sun canopy also provide first-class comfort for your newborn from the very first ride. 

It can also be part of a travel system, as it clicks onto your Bugaboo stroller for a seamless transition between car and stroller. It's compatible with all of our current models, whether you have an all-terrain newborn stroller or a compact and lightweight one for travel. Separate adapters are usually needed. 

Since it's an infant car seat, you need to install it rear-facing in the car. This is the safest position to protect a newborn's head, neck, and spine. Ideally, you should keep them in this position until they reach the weight limit of 30 lbs (approximately 15 months of age). Afterward, you can switch to another forward-facing car seat. 

A car seat base is included with your Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna, but you can add an extra base to leave in your second car or a family member's car. This way, you’re not constantly moving the base from one car to the other. 

Before installing, always review the product user manual, check the vehicle fit guide, and your vehicle handbook for compatibility. 

1) Open the stability leg 

First, pull open the stability leg on your base. This leg is designed to minimize the force on your baby in case of impact. 

2) Place the base in the car 

Position the base in the car with the stability leg perpendicular to the car floor. Extend the stability leg toward the floor until the indicator turns green, which means that it’s been engaged correctly. 

3) Install the base 

You can install the base using the LATCH system or the seat belt. The LATCH system (which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) lets you install the seat without using the seat belt. Look for the two anchors in the back seat where the backrest and seat cushion meet. 

To install the base using the LATCH system: Rotate the lower anchors down and point them away from the base. Grasp the rigid latch anchors, then push down and forward to connect to the vehicle's lower anchor bars. Ensure that the base bottom is firmly in place on the seat and there is no gap between the base bottom and the vehicle seat. The safety indicator will show green when it's properly connected. 

To install the base using the lap/shoulder or lap belt: Lift the lock-off release button. Route the lap belt across the area labeled “Lap belt here.” Route the shoulder belt diagonally across the area labeled “Shoulder belt here.” Buckle the vehicle belt. Both the shoulder and lap belt must be under the vehicle belt lock-off and belts must lay flat. While pressing the base firmly downward onto the vehicle seat, tighten the vehicle belt, then push down on the lock-off to close it. 

4) Place the car seat on the base 

Once your base is anchored to the car, the click-and-go system lets you lift your car seat in and out with ease. If your baby is not already strapped in, buckle them in using the five-point harness, tighten the straps as needed, and you’re ready to go. 

If you have a Bugaboo stroller that makes a travel system, once you've arrived at your destination, you can use the car seat on your stroller as well. Simply press the white button at the front of the base, lift the seat, and place it onto the stroller frame with your baby inside. 

Car seat installation made easy 

Installing a car seat correctly is crucial for your baby's safety during travels. Start by choosing a high-quality, new car seat and always check the manual for specific instructions. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to reach out to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for guidance. When setting up the Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna, make sure it's rear-facing and securely installed using either the LATCH system or a seat belt. With these simple steps, you'll create a secure and comfortable experience for your newborn in no time.