Stage 1: Rear-Facing Car Seat

What is a rear-facing car seat?

It is a car seat used to transport an infant up to 9/10 kg (20/22 lb) and 66-71 cm (26-28 inches). It is used only in the rear-facing position. Some infant/child seats can be used in the rear-facing position up to 16 kg (35 lb). Check manufacturer's instructions.

There are two steps in using a rear-facing car seat:

1. Correctly install the seat in the vehicle.

• Never put the car seat in front of an air bag.
• Install the seat in the centre of the back seat for maximum safety.
• Keep the carrying handle in the down position when in the vehicle.
• Ensure 80% of the car seat base is touching the vehicle seat.
• Position the car seat at 45º to the vehicle seat.
• Ensure that the vehicle seat belt is routed correctly and that the rear-facing car seat is fastened tightly, with no more than one inch movement from side to side where the seat belt fastens.

2. Correctly harness the child in the seat.

• Place baby's bottom and back against the back of the seat.
• Position harness straps at shoulder level or slightly below.
• Ensure harness straps are flat with no twisting and with no more than one finger space between the collarbone and the harness.
• Fasten chest clip (if supplied by manufacturer) at armpit level.
• Always harness the baby when in the seat, even when not being used in a car.
• Double-back all harness straps that go through a strapslide.

Important points to remember

• Obey the law in Ontario and use a car seat for children up to 18 kg (40 lb). The fine for not doing so is $110 and two demerit points.
• Protect the baby's neck and back from injuries in a sudden stop or crash by using a rear-facing infant seat. These seats are best suited for infants because their heads are large and heavy.
• You can switch to a forward-facing car seat when the baby is over 9.5 kg (20 lb) AND can pull up to a stand.
• Place towels or blankets under the car seat to get an approximate 45º angle between the car seat and the vehicle seat (never use something hard).
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Replace a car seat following a collision, regardless of whether it was occupied or not at the time of the collision.
• Look for the CMVSS label (Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard), and/or the National Safety Mark. A U.S. label is not acceptable.
• Do not use a head hugger sold seperatetly because it interferes with the positioning of the harness straps.

For information on car seat defects and recalls call Transport Canada at 1 800 333-0371, in Ottawa 613-998-8616.