Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they are at least 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds to decrease the risk of cervical spine injury in the event of a crash. Infants who weigh 20 pounds before 1 year of age should ride rear-facing in a convertible seat or infant seat approved for higher weights until at least 1 year old. For optimal protection, the child should remain rear-facing until he or she reaches the maximum weight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back.
Who: At least up to 20 pounds (It is recommended to keep children rear-facing longer until they reach the upper weight limit of their rear-facing convertible seat.)
What: Rear-facing child safety seat
Why: The rear-facing position supports the child’s entire head, neck and back and helps reduce stress to the neck and spinal cord in a crash. Age is the most important factor due to developmental issues. However, both age and weight requirements should be met before the child is moved to a forward-facing seat.
Be Sure: To ALWAYS use rear-facing seat for this age and weight. Harness straps at or below shoulder level. Harness straps at or below shoulder level.
Installation:
Did you know that 8 out of 10 car seats are installed incorrectly? It is a staggering fact that many car seats are not installed correct. Be sure to read your vehicle owner’s manual and car seat instruction manual before you install your safety seat.
Here are some tips to remember as you install your seat:
- Rear-facing seats should be installed in the back seat of your vehicle. Never place a rear-facing seat in front of a passenger air bag.
- The center seating position is ideal if it can be used since it is the farthest away from any point of impact.
- The seat should be installed using either the LATCH system or vehicle safety belt, never both.
- If using the seat belt to install your safety seat, make sure the belt is locked and can hold the safety seat in tight.
- The seat should not be able to move more than one inch in any direction when testing where the belt goes through.
- Rear-facing safety seats should be installed in the recline mode to protect your baby’s breathing. Be sure to refer to the safety seat manufacturer’s suggestion for the 30 – 45 degree recommendation.
- Harnesses should be at or below your child’s shoulders when rear-facing.
- The harnesses should be snug and lie flat on your infant’s shoulders, you should not be able to pinch any slack.
- The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level, right across your infant’s sternum. This protects soft tissue and helps keep the straps on your baby.
- Be sure not to use any aftermarket accessories such as mirrors and metal roller shades, these items could come undone in a crash or sudden stop and injure people in your vehicle.
- Secure any loose items such as purses, briefcases, toys and umbrellas when you travel so they do not injury anyone.
There are certified technicians available to help you install your safety seat. Call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK 1-866-SEAT-CHECK to find a technician in your area.
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