Using a Baby Jogger car seat, such as the City GO™ 2 Infant Car Seat, involves securely installing it in your vehicle and, for added convenience, connecting it to a compatible Baby Jogger stroller to create a seamless travel system.
How to Use a Baby Jogger Car Seat
Properly using your Baby Jogger car seat ensures your child's safety and comfort, whether you're driving or transitioning to a stroll. This guide will walk you through car installation, connecting to a stroller, and essential safety tips.
1. Installing Your Baby Jogger Car Seat in a Vehicle
The primary function of a car seat is to keep your baby safe in a moving vehicle. Always refer to your specific Baby Jogger car seat's instruction manual for detailed, model-specific installation steps, as well as your vehicle's owner's manual for car seat compatibility and LATCH anchor locations.
There are two main methods for installing an infant car seat base:
A. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) Installation
LATCH is often considered the easiest installation method, especially in newer vehicles.
- Locate LATCH Anchors: Find the lower anchors in your vehicle's back seat. These are typically metal bars located in the seat bight (the crack between the seat back and cushion). Most vehicles have two sets of lower anchors.
- Attach LATCH Connectors: Extend the LATCH connectors from your car seat base and attach them firmly to the vehicle's lower anchors. You should hear a click, indicating they are securely fastened.
- Tighten the Base: Press down firmly on the car seat base while pulling the LATCH strap(s) to remove all slack. The base should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- Check Recline Angle: Adjust the recline angle indicator on the car seat base (if available) to ensure your baby is at the correct angle for their age and weight. This is crucial for airway safety, especially for newborns.
B. Seatbelt Installation
If your vehicle doesn't have LATCH anchors in the desired seating position or your child exceeds the LATCH weight limit (check your car seat manual), you'll use the vehicle's seatbelt.
- Route the Seatbelt: Follow the car seat base's designated belt path. This is usually clearly marked with color-coded labels or arrows.
- Buckle the Seatbelt: Buckle the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the belt path.
- Lock the Seatbelt: To secure the base, you need to "lock" the seatbelt.
- Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR): Pull the shoulder belt all the way out until you hear a click as it retracts. The belt will then stay tight.
- Switchable Retractor: Many newer vehicle seatbelts automatically lock when pulled out fully.
- Locking Clip: Some older car seats or vehicles may require a metal locking clip. Consult your manuals.
- Tighten the Base: Push down firmly on the car seat base while simultaneously pulling the shoulder belt to remove all slack. The base should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
- Check Recline Angle: Verify the recline angle.
Key Installation Checks:
- The "One Inch" Rule: The car seat base should not move more than one inch in any direction at the belt path.
- Harness Height: For infants, the harness straps should be at or below the baby's shoulders.
- Recline Angle: Ensure the infant's head does not flop forward, maintaining an open airway.
- Harness Snugness: The harness should be snug against your child's body. If you can pinch a fold of fabric at their shoulder, it's too loose. The chest clip should be at armpit level.
2. Connecting to a Baby Jogger Stroller (Travel System)
One of the standout features of Baby Jogger car seats, like the City GO™ 2, is their compatibility with Baby Jogger strollers, allowing you to easily create a convenient travel system. This means you can transfer your baby from the car to the stroller without waking them.
Steps to Create a Travel System:
- Ensure Compatibility: Verify that your specific Baby Jogger car seat model is compatible with your Baby Jogger stroller. Most Baby Jogger infant car seats are designed to click directly into a wide range of Baby Jogger strollers, often without needing separate adapters.
- Prepare the Stroller: Depending on your stroller model, you may need to remove the stroller's seat or simply ensure it's in a compatible position.
- Position the Car Seat: Align the car seat with the stroller's mounting points. These are typically clear slots or receivers on the stroller frame.
- Click into Place: Gently lower the car seat onto the stroller until you hear a distinct "click" on both sides, indicating it is securely latched.
- Verify Security: Always give the car seat a gentle tug to confirm it is firmly attached to the stroller before walking away.
Connecting your City GO™ 2 to your favorite Baby Jogger stroller makes it even easier to take on the go, offering the perfect travel solution for busy parents.
3. Safety & Best Practices
- Read the Manuals: Always read both your car seat and vehicle owner's manuals thoroughly.
- Harness Properly: Ensure the harness is snug, the chest clip is at armpit level, and the straps are at or below shoulder level for rear-facing infants.
- No Bulky Clothing: Avoid dressing your baby in bulky coats or snowsuits under the harness, as this can create slack. Instead, dress them in thin layers and place blankets over the buckled harness.
- Limit Car Seat Use: Car seats are for travel. Do not use them for extended sleeping outside of the car, as prolonged time in a semi-upright position can pose risks to a baby's breathing.
- Check Expiration: Car seats have expiration dates (typically 6-7 years from the date of manufacture). Do not use an expired car seat.
- Accident Policy: If your car seat has been in a moderate to severe crash, it should be replaced, even if there's no visible damage. Check your car seat manufacturer's specific accident policy.
- Professional Check: Consider having your car seat installation checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). You can find one through organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Baby Jogger car seat provides a safe and convenient experience for your family.
