What must a caregiver ensure when securing a car seat in a vehicle?

When securing a car seat in a vehicle, it is crucial that the car seat is tightly secured and does not move. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the car seat during a crash or sudden stop. Proper installation minimizes movement in any direction, typically no more than an inch when tested at the base. This tightness is essential as it helps to protect the child from injury by ensuring that the car seat functions as intended in the event of a collision. Properly securing the child restraint keeps the child safely in place and reduces the risk of ejection or serious injury during an accident.

The other options do not contribute to the fundamental goal of child passenger safety. For example, a car seat that slides easily is not safe, as movement can compromise the safety of the child. Protecting the seat from back seat passengers is not a primary concern compared to the secure installation of the seat itself. Lastly, matching the color of the car seat with the vehicle's interior has no impact on safety or performance during a crash.