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 is 2 years old or almost 2. 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 is 2 years old or is almost 2 and has outgrown the highest rear-facing weight or height allowed by that car seat's manufacturer. Secure the car seat in the back seat of your vehicle.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics

Specialist Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics

Current as ofMay 4, 2017

Current as of: May 4, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics