Crucial First Step: Consult the Car Seat Manual and the Vehicle Owner's Manual. Both manuals have vital information, including:
* Vehicle's LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children): While 1993 vehicles didn't universally have LATCH, *some* did, particularly later in the model year. Check your owner's manual to see if yours has it. If so, this is generally the preferred method.
* Seatbelt installation: If LATCH isn't available, you'll use the vehicle's seatbelts. The owner's manual will show proper seatbelt routing. Incorrect routing is a major safety risk.
* Car Seat Specific Instructions: Every car seat is different. Its manual will show the proper installation method for your specific model, including how to tighten the seatbelt or use LATCH. The instructions *must* be followed precisely.
General Steps (Assuming no LATCH):
1. Choose the safest seat: The safest location is generally the middle of the back seat, if possible. If not, a rear-facing car seat should be in the back seat, away from airbags.
2. Read the manuals: Before you even start, thoroughly read both the car seat and vehicle owner's manuals.
3. Prepare the seat: Ensure the vehicle's seatback is upright and that there's nothing obstructing the seatbelt path or the area where the car seat will sit.
4. Install the seat: Place the car seat on the vehicle's seat.
5. Route the seatbelt: Carefully follow the car seat's and vehicle's instructions for correctly routing the seatbelt through the car seat's designated slots. Make sure the belt is snug and flat across the car seat.
6. Tighten the seatbelt: Tighten the seatbelt using the retractor. You should not be able to move the car seat more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
7. Check for tightness: Again, ensure the car seat is secure. It should not move easily.
8. (If applicable) Secure the top tether: If your car seat has a top tether and your vehicle has a top tether anchor, securely attach the tether. This helps prevent forward rotation in a crash. The owner's manual will show you the location.
If your Aerostar *does* have LATCH:
The process will be similar but instead of using the seatbelts, you'll connect the car seat's LATCH connectors to the lower anchors in the vehicle. Again, follow the car seat's instructions closely. Often, you'll still need to use the seatbelt to secure the car seat or the top tether as well.
Important Safety Notes:
* Professional Installation: If you're unsure about any part of the installation process, contact a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Many fire departments and hospitals offer free car seat checks.
* Recalls: Check for recalls on both the vehicle and the car seat.
* Practice: Before using the car seat for a trip, practice installing and uninstalling it to become comfortable with the process.
Never compromise on safety. Proper car seat installation is crucial for protecting your child in a crash. Take your time and don't hesitate to seek help if needed.
