Final answer:
The nurse should instruct the parent to place a blanket over the newborn once secure in the car seat. Blankets, coats, or heavy clothing can make it difficult to secure the shoulder harnesses tightly, leading to injury in the event of a collision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should instruct the parent to place a blanket over the newborn once secure in the car seat. Blankets, coats, or heavy clothing can make it difficult to secure the shoulder harnesses tightly, leading to injury in the event of a collision. This is because bulky clothing can compress in a crash, causing the harness to become loose and putting the baby at risk of injury. It is important to make sure the shoulder harnesses are snug against the baby's body for maximum safety.