Children must ride rear-facing in a car seat until they are at least 1 year old and weigh at least 20 pounds. Parents are tempted to turn the car seat around before the child is old enough, because it is difficult to see the child when he is looking back. The baby would also prefer to be turned around so that he can see mommy and daddy. You must resist doing this, because it is not safe. Your baby’s neck is simply not strong enough to withstand the force caused by a car accident. As difficult as it may be, these guidelines must be followed.

Different rear facing car seats

There are 2 types of rear-facing car seats. There are baby-only seats and convertible seats. Infant car seats are small and have a handle to carry the seat. Many of these come with a stroller system that the seat can be snapped into. Infant car seats cannot be installed facing forward. Infant car seats can only be used for a maximum of 22 to 30 pounds, depending on the seat. Every manufacturer is different, so be sure to check their specifications. They are most commonly used for babies, because they can also be used as a baby carrier. Baby can be placed in them at the grocery store, at the doctor’s office, or wherever she wants her to go. Be sure to keep your baby strapped in at all times to prevent slipping.

Many infant car seats come with a car base. You put the base in the car and then you can put the car seat on it. This is good because you don’t have to fiddle with seat belts every time you put your baby in the car. You have the option to purchase additional bases to use if you have multiple cars. Some car seats can be placed with or without the base. That might be something you’ll want to look for. So if you’re traveling with another person, you won’t have to take the dock out of your car to use it in another car.

Convertible car seats can be used rear-facing until the baby is old enough, and then they can be turned. This saved her money, because she can use the seat longer. These can be used for a couple of years depending on the size of the child. They take up more space and are not designed for getting in and out of the car. They are rated to be worn rear-facing for increased height and weight, so they are ideal for babies who are larger or taller.

Types of harnesses

The 5-point harness is the safest. They are attached to either side of the babies’ shoulders and hips. And then between the legs. These are used in infant-only car seats and convertible car seats.

The T-harness is a padded T-shaped or triangle-shaped shield attached to both shoulders and then between the legs. It would be considered a 3 point harness. These are used in infant-only car seats and convertible car seats.

The top protector has a padded tray-like protector that covers the child’s head and rests in front of the baby. This only applies to the convertible car seat.

Facility

*Always make sure the car seat is properly installed. The harness should fit snugly around your baby.

*Never use a car seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger airbag. If it inflates, it will cause serious injury to your baby or even death.

*Check harness slots. They should be at or below your baby’s shoulders.

*If your car’s seat belts require locking clips, be sure to use them. All car safety seats should come with locking clips. Consult your vehicle manual. Most new cars do not need locking clips.

*If you are using a convertible seat in the rear-facing position, make sure the seat belt is routed through the correct belt path. Read the instructions that come with the car seat to be sure.

*If your vehicle was built after 2002, it may come with LATCH, which is used to secure car safety seats.

*Make sure the seat is at the correct angle so that your baby’s head does not fall forward. Many seats have angle indicators or adjusters that can help prevent this. If your seat does not have an angle adjuster, tilt the car seat back by placing a rolled towel or other firm padding (such as a pool float) under the base near the point where the back and sides meet. the bottom of the vehicle seat.

Always use the instruction manual provided with the car seat. It is your safety that is at hand, so be sure to use the car seat in the correct way for which it was designed.