While the best way to benefit from babyark’s over-and-above innovation is through the recommended install, each and every approved installation method conforms to safety regulations and meets all current standards and requirements.
Here we’ll get into:
-
the recommended babyark install + alternative safe installation options
-
how our install leverages premium safety features and top technology
-
how guided installation ensures correct setup
-
important pieces to keep in mind when selecting and installing a car seat per manufacturer owner manuals
-
how to consult our smart app and other channels with any installation questions or for troubleshooting.
What is the recommended babyark install?
babyark’s next-level safety features are maximized when using the recommended installation, which is:
Rigid Lower Anchors + Load Leg + Vehicle Seat Belt
babyark is unique in this combination approach which leverages various proven safety features often seen in infant seat bases, or used individually in other car seats as optional install components. Just like how babyark does not require you to choose between form or function, style or substance, here too - babyark is an AND in a world of OR.
By using an installation method that builds upon the strength of multiple best-in-class features and clearly walks the caregiver through the process, babyark installation reduces the likelihood of human error often associated with tricky configurations. Built to make it easier on you to keep your child safe, without relying on properly executing complex installations “blindly,” babyark brings the confidence.
babyark’s recommended install harnesses the ANKR™ rigid no-flex system, which secures and anchors the seat upon impact through its 3 complementary components: the load leg, the anti-rebound bar (ARB) and the rigid LATCH.
Proper installation, including the vehicle seat belt, leverages this holy trinity of car seat safety as a supportive and stabilizing factor in the face of impact forces.
Read here about improved stability using the ARB and load leg together.
Making Sure, You Said LATCH and Seat Belt? Both?
Yes, both.
Although rare and prohibited by some car seat and vehicle manufacturers, babyark was engineered to be installed with rigid LATCH, and vehicle seat belt, and load leg.
babyark convertible car seats are tested in various scenarios and with every installation method in our manuals, and the benefits of harnessing all of our included technology are proven with the recommended installation.
The babyark recommended installation is the most effective way of leveraging all of the innovative features, including the SafeCoil ™ system and other energy absorption technology in addition to benefiting from the intelligent connection of the Smart car seat features and companion app.
Guided installation means you get it right
The babyark app will walk you through each step, and details how to install the ACTV8™ base once, for both rear and forward-facing, making the transition easier and taking out another element of uncertainty and reducing misuse. For Smart convertible car seats, the app goes screen by screen, step by step, with visual and auditory confirmation such as LED light guidance, sound alerts, and real-time feedback.
Check your Vehicle Manufacturer’s Manual for Compatibility
babyark meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 for use in motor vehicles, and all babyark car seats manufactured on or after June 30, 2025 will meet the updated FMVSS 213a/b standards coming into effect.
babyark is certified for use in passenger cars, SUVs, crossovers, vans and light trucks.
Note that seating positions with a storage compartment below the floor can NOT be used with a load leg.
Check your vehicle owner's manual to ensure that the vehicle manufacturer doesn’t prohibit installing a child restraint with both LATCH and vehicle seat belt, and to ensure it doesn’t prohibit the use of a load leg on the vehicle floor.
If your vehicle prohibits using the babyark recommended install, you may use one of our other installation methods.
Want to use babyark with another installation method?
Using babyark with any of the additional methods found in our manual meets all safety regulations, but note that not all SafeCoil ™ energy-absorbing capabilities will be optimized.
Note that the Smart Base and mobile app will not provide alerts and notifications or visual confirmation that the seat has been properly installed as per all steps on the step-by-step installation guidance with alternative installation methods.
For alternate installation methods, we suggest turning off the Smart Base and following the clear instructions in the user manual to ensure all relevant steps are completed.
As always, read your vehicle’s manual (and babyark’s) to understand your options and ensure you are installing safely.
The babyark car seat supports multiple additional installation methods:
- Vehicle seat belt only, REAR FACING: you may also want to use the Lower Anchor Funnels to help position the rigid lower anchor connectors deep within the seat bight.
- Vehicle seat belt only with top tether, FORWARD FACING: Top tether strap MUST always be used for a forward-facing seat belt only installation when available. Do not use top tether for other installations unless mentioned as required.
- Rigid Lower Anchors only, REAR FACING: for children up to 15 lbs.
ALWAYS follow age and height recommendations and restrictions for deciding in which direction to face your child’s car seat, and in selecting appropriate installation methods.
Because your babyark comes with multiple installation options, each with explicit instructions across multiple platforms (and step-by-step guidance available in-app for Smart users), you get peace of mind in knowing that it’s installed correctly, every time. And if you choose our Smart seat, your app has all the information you need to continue monitoring, whether you’re the one driving or not.
Wondering if the babyark is installed tightly enough?
Try the 1-inch or handshake test.
Place your hand on the base near the belt path or, for forward-facing installations with top tether, at the belt path on the car seat shell, and give a firm (but reasonable - think “nice to meet you” and not “death-grip”) handshake. Some movement is okay, but the car seat should not move more than 1 inch front to back or side to side..
Always test installation and when in doubt, reach out.
My vehicle seat belts have webbing loops. How does that impact my installation?
Webbing loops (also called convenience loops) on some vehicle seat belts may affect the proper installation of the babyark car seat, depending on their position within the base’s belt path.
To determine if your webbing loop is interfering with the tensioner on your babyark base, check out our troubleshooting page, or contact us for assistance.
babyark Installation Instructions, Conveniently Available at Multiple Touch Points
Explicit instructions for installation options and troubleshooting can be found in the babyark app, the user manual, and in explanation videos on our YouTube channel.
We also provide answers to FAQs on all matters of topics, including installation.
And, as always, it’s easy enough to contact support!
If you run into any issues or have questions while installing your babyark, contact babyark customer support at 1-888-922-2927 or at contact@babyark.com for assistance. We can help you make sure your babyark is properly installed so you’re ready to drive off with confidence.
babyark customers: download the babyark app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store to your mobile phone.
Check out our FAQs page for more answers to common questions.
