Why rear-facing car seats are the safest option
Safety instructions
Do’s / Do Not’s
Car seat checks
rear-facing car seats
If you were involved in a car accident and your child was forward-facing, the force on their neck would be 190kg-220kg. In a rear-facing car seat in the same accident, the force would go down to 40kg-60kg.
Infants have relatively large heads and weak necks, which put them at a high risk of serious injuries if the head and neck are not properly supported. A rear-facing seat is safest as it keeps your child’s head, neck, and spine aligned during an impact which helps better absorb the force of a potential crash.
Safety Instructions
Correct Straps
Harness straps are snug with no slack in the straps. You can’t pinch the straps between your fingers.
Incorrect Straps
Harness straps are too loose. You can pinch the straps between your fingers.
Do’s and Do Not’s
DO dress your child in warm but not thick or puffy clothing
DO make sure straps are tight and chest clip is positioned at armpit level
DO ensure that the car seat doesn’t move more than one inch from side to side and front to back if you jiggle it.
DO NOT dress your child in a thick coat or put a blanket between their body and the harness straps.
DO NOT have loose straps- you should not be able to pinch together any of the fabric.
DO NOT add attachments to a car seat. Only use equipment that comes with the original car seat.
DIY Car Seat Checks
Is the child within the correct weight limit listed on the car seat?
Is the crotch buckle in the correct position?
Are the harness straps at armpit height?
Does my child weigh enough that the infant insert needs to be removed?
Has my child outgrown rear-facing mode by the height or weight listed in the car seat manual?