Which way should an infant car seat face when installed in the backseat?

Put the newborn in the center rear seating position as the baby is the most vulnerable in a crash. Put an older forward-facing child — assuming the older child is forward facing — in the center seat since rear-facing children are inherently safer in their rear-facing seat.

Do you place a child in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat for every car?

Infant car seats should always be installed to face the rear of the car. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants and toddlers ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight and height limits recommended by the seat’s manufacturer.

Do baby car seats have to face backwards?

If your child is travelling rear-facing, the car seat spreads the forces across the whole back, protecting the delicate head and neck. As 70% of accidents are frontal collisions, it’s safest for children to travel rearward-facing until their muscles and bones have properly developed.

How long should a baby be facing backwards in a car seat?

All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.

When to put your baby in a rear-facing car seat?

Your baby should remain rear-facing until she is 2 years of age or until she reaches the highest weight or height limit allowed by the manufacturer of her child safety seat. Some rear-facing child safety seats can accommodate children up to 35 pounds or more.

Where does Your Baby Face Forward in the car?

You should place the forward-facing seat in the middle of the back seat. This will provide extra protection, as that is the safest spot in the vehicle. Deciding when your baby can face forward in the car is a big step, and you should do it carefully.

Can a rear seat be placed in the front seat?

However, be careful in the time of placing a car rear seat in the front seat of your car. If your car has an airbag, it can dangerously harm your child if the airbag goes off. So, before placing a rear seat in the front make sure that the airbags are deactivated. If you have a front-facing seat then it can be easily attached to the front.

How do I fit my child in the car seat?

Fitting Your Child Correctly in the Car Seat Place your child in the car seat with the child’s back flat against the car seat. Place harness straps over the child’s shoulders. Harness straps should lie flat, not twisted, and be placed through the slots located at or below your child’s shoulders.