Rear Facing Car Seats - Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my baby need a rear facing car seat?
Babies have heavier, larger heads and smaller, weaker necks than older children and adults. A rear facing car seat protects your baby's head, neck, and spine. In a crash or sudden stop, the force of the crash is spread across the back. It is the strongest part of your baby's body at this stage.
It is important to keep your baby rear facing until:
- At least 1 year of age and
- At least 22 pounds (10 kg).
 Sometimes parents want to move their child to a forward facing car seat before their child is one year old, but this is not safe. Keep your baby in a rear facing car seat for as long as is safely possible. If your baby outgrows her infant seat before age one, choose a convertible car seat that can be used up to a higher height and weight limit. Use this convertible seat in the rear facing position until your baby reaches the height limit or weight limit of the convertible seat in the rear facing position.
What is a rear facing infant car seat?
A rear facing infant car seat must be installed so that it faces the back of the car. Many rear facing infant car seats come with a plastic base that can be detached from the car seat.
 Some other names for rear facing infant car seats are:
- Infant car seat
- Infant carrier
Use a rear facing infant car seat from birth until she reaches the height or weight limit of the seat. Many babies outgrow their rear facing infant car seat before age one. Babies should stay rear facing as long as is safely possible, until at least age one. If your baby outgrows her infant seat before age one, choose a convertible car seat that can be used up to a higher height and weight limit. Use this convertible seat in the rear facing position until your baby reaches the weight limit or height limit of the convertible seat in its rear facing position.
Rear facing infant car seats are handy because you can use them to carry your child. Sometimes babies fall asleep in the car seat, but don't use a car seat in place of a crib in your home. Remember these tips to keep your child safe when using an infant car seat outside of the car:
- Always put the car seat on the floor, not on top of furniture or counters. Babies can rock the car seat over the edge or it can get knocked off.
- Always stay close by your baby when she is in the car seat.
- Make sure your child is buckled in using the harness straps at all times.
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What is a convertible car seat?
 A convertible car seat can usually be used rear facing up to one set of height and weight limits and then can be used forward facing up to a higher height and weight limit.
Some other names for convertible car seats are:
- 2 in 1 rear facing to forward facing car seat
- Infant/child car seat
Move your baby to a convertible car seat when he outgrows his rear facing infant car seat. Make sure your baby is under the weight and height limit for rear facing use when you are using the convertible seat in its rear facing mode.
When your baby reaches the weight or height limit for rear facing use and is at least one year of age, turn the convertible car seat so that it faces forward. Be sure to read your car seat instruction booklet for all the steps you need to take to install your baby's car seat. There are different steps to take when installing the car seat forward facing than when installing it rear facing.
My baby has outgrown the weight limit of his rear facing infant car seat. Does this mean I should put him in a forward facing car seat?
Babies have heavier, larger heads and smaller, weaker necks than older children and adults. In a crash, a baby could be badly hurt or even killed if he is moved forward facing too soon. A rear facing car seat protects your baby's head, neck, and spine. In a crash or sudden stop, the force of the crash is spread across the back. It is the strongest part of your baby's body at this stage.
It is important to keep your baby rear facing until:
- At least 1 year of age and
- At least 22 pounds (10 kg).
Sometimes parents want to move their child to a forward facing car seat before their child is one year old, but this is not safe. Keep your baby in a rear facing car seat for as long as is safely possible. If your baby outgrows her infant seat before age one, choose a convertible car seat that can be used up to a higher height and weight limit. Use this convertible seat rear facing until your baby reaches the height limit or weight limit of the convertible seat in its rear facing mode.
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I have heard that when I install a car seat I should not be able to move it more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in any direction. I am able to move the top end of my baby's infant car seat up and down a little. Does this mean it is not installed tightly?
Rear facing car seats are meant to allow some rocking movement at the head end of the car seat. In a crash, this movement will help cradle your child and protect him.
There should be almost no movement where the car seat has been buckled to the car (this is foot end of the car seat). Check that the car seat is installed tightly:
- Hold the car seat where it has been buckled to the car (near the foot end of the seat)
- Pull the seat from side to side and toward the front of the car
- It should not move more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in any direction
Check your car seat instruction booklet for more information about installing your car seat tightly.
My baby often falls asleep in her rear facing infant car seat. Is it ok for me to let her sleep in her car seat in the house?
Rear facing infant car seats are handy because you can use them to carry your baby. Sometimes babies fall asleep in the car seat, but don't use a car seat in place of a crib in your home. It is best for babies to sleep in a crib that meets Canadian safety standards.
Remember these tips to keep your child safe when using an infant car seat outside of the car:
 Always put the car seat on the floor, not on top of furniture or counters. Babies can rock the car seat over the edge or it can get knocked off.
- Always stay close by your baby when she is in the car seat.
- Make sure your child is buckled in using the harness straps at all times.
Is there is one rear facing infant car seat that is the safest?
All car seats must be tested to meet government safety standards in order to be sold in Canada. Transport Canada is the government department that sets the safety standards. The best car seat is one that fits your child's height and weight and is one that you can correctly install in your car. Buy your car seat in Canada to make sure that it meets Canadian safety standards.
Always fill in and mail back the registration card. This card comes with a new seat. The company that made the seat will contact you if there is a problem and the seat needs to be fixed or replaced.
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| Page published on 2009-08-28 |
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