Rear-Facing Car Seat

For safety, it is very important that your child’s car seat faces the rear until your child outgrows the height and weight requirement by the car seat manufacturer. You may choose to start your child in an infant-only car seat (shown here) when your child is a newborn. This type of car seat reclines, typically has a…

Rear-Facing Car Seat

Baby in a rear-facing infant-only car seat

For safety, it is very important that your child’s car seat faces the rear until your child outgrows the height and weight requirement by the car seat manufacturer. You may choose to start your child in an infant-only car seat (shown here) when your child is a newborn. This type of car seat reclines, typically has a handle, and can be removed from its base. This type of car seat only faces to the rear. As soon as your child has outgrown the highest weight or height allowed by the infant car seat’s manufacturer, switch to a convertible car seat or 3-in-1 car seat. Face it to the rear until your child reaches the height and weight requirement by the car seat manufacturer for a forward-facing seat. Secure the car seat in the back seat of your vehicle.

Current as ofDecember 12, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
Susan C. Kim MD – Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
John Pope MD – Pediatrics
Heather Quinn MD – Family Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.