Infants simply do not have the back and neck strength to travel facing forward. In the rear-facing position, the force of a crash or sudden stop is spread across the baby’s body, and absorbed into the back of the car seat.
A child should be over 1 year-of-age, at least 10 kg (22 lb.) AND able to walk unassisted before being turned to face forward. However, it is safer for a child to remain rear-facing as long as possible - up to the car seat's maximum rear-facing weight OR until the top of the child's head is less than 2.5 cm (1 in.) below the top of the seat.
Choosing a Rear-facing Car Seat:
There are three (3) types of seats that can be used for Stage 1: Rear-facing - Infant-only seats, Infant/Child seats (also known as Convertible seats)and Infant/Child/Booster Seats (also known as 3-Stage seats).
Remember to fill out and mail the registration card that comes with the car seat. If there is a recall, the manufacturer will be able to contact you.
Infant-only car seats must always face the rear of the vehicle. They are for babies from birth to 9 or 10 kg (20 or 22 lb.). They have an upper height limit ranging from 66 to 76 cm (26 to 30 in.). Some new models go to 13.6, 14.5 or 16 kg & 81 cm (30, 32 or 35 lb. & 32 in.).
It is time for your baby to come out of the Infant-only seat when the top of the child's head is 2.5cm (1 in.) below the top of the seat OR when he or she is over the weight limit of the seat. The child should then use a Convertible seat or 3-stage seat, rear-facing, until it is safe for him or her to travel facing forward.
Infant/Child seats (Convertible seats) and Infant/Child/Boosters (3-stage seats) can be used rear-facing up to 13.6-20.4 kg (30-45 lb.) and 76-112 cm (30-44 in.), depending on the model. These car seats can be used forward-facing for children up to 18-30 kg (40-65 lb.) and 101-135 cm (40-53 in.), depending on the model. Infant/Child/Booster seats can also be used as a Booster seat from 18 to 36-45 kg (40 to 80-100 lb.).
Harnessing Your Baby in a Rear-facing Seat:
Read and carefully follow the instructions that came with your car seat.
Always check the seat’s metal and plastic parts before putting your infant in the car seat. In warm weather, they can get very hot!
Baby’s bottom and back should be flat against the back of the car seat.
The harness must be adjusted as the child grows, both for safety and comfort.
The harness straps should come through the back of the seat at the level of, or slightly below, the baby’s shoulders; never from above.
The harness straps must lie flat on the infant’s body. Any twists or wrinkles will concentrate the crash forces.
The harness straps should fit snugly. Adjusted properly, you can get no more than one finger between the harness and the baby’s collar bone.
The chest clip should be at the baby's armpit level to prevent the harness straps from slipping off the shoulders.
You can use a rolled receiving blanket or small towel on either side of the baby’s head and torso for support.
Products that do not come with your seat are not recommended for use.
Do not put any padding under, or behind, your baby.
Baby's Clothing:
Over-sized clothing, bulky snowsuits, bunting bags, sack sleepers etc.can interfere with the correct use of the harness.
Dress your baby in light clothing that has both arms and legs.
Place a blanket over your baby for warmth once the harness is secured.
Putting a Rear-facing seat in your vehicle:
Read your vehicle owner's manual. It will have information about the seat belts and Universal Anchorage System (UAS) in your vehicle. Check your car seat's instructions as to where the belt should go.
The rear seat of the vehicle is the safest place for a child. Transport Canada recommends that all children 12 years and under sit in the back seat. The centre, rear position is preferred because it is furthest away from the point-of-impact from any direction.
Ensure that the interior of your vehicle is safe. Tie down or lock all objects in the trunk. Items left on the rear window ledge can fall on a child. Items on the seat, on the floor, or in an open hatchback, wagon or van can fly around, if there is a sudden stop or collision.
80% of the bottom of the car seat should be firmly supported by the vehicle seat.
A rear-facing car seat must not be installed in a front seating position that has an active air bag. For side-impact air bags, follow your vehicle manufacturer's instructions. Clear the area between the infant seat and the door of all objects. Toys, blankets, and even pillows could harm an infant, if the side air bag inflates.
Use only one method to install the car seat, either the seat belt or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS). When tightening the seat belt or UAS, push the base or car seat down and into the vehicle upholstery. The seat should not move more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) toward the front of the vehicle, or directly side-to-side, where the belt is attached. It is acceptable (and normal) to be able to lift the seat toward the rear of the vehicle or pivot it side-to-side at the top of the seat.
Some lap & shoulder belts on older vehicles need a locking clip to prevent them from loosening. Your vehicle owner's manual will have information about installing car seats.
Check your car seat’s instructions to be sure that you have it reclined properly, about halfway back. Some vehicle seat cushions slope down toward the rear, causing the car seat to sit too upright for a newborn or young baby. A tightly rolled towel or a foam noodle may be placed under the infant seat to regain the correct angle. Once your infant can hold up his or her head, the car seat may be used at a more upright angle.
If you are using an Infant-only seat, check that the carry handle is in the correct position, usually down.
When using an Infant/Child seat or Infant/Child/Booster seat rear-facing, do not leave the tether strap hanging loose to fly around in a crash. Secure it according to your manufacturer's instructions, or roll it up and wrap it with a cable tie.
It is time for your baby to come out of the Infant-only seat when the top of the child's head is 2.5cm (1 in.) below the top of the seat OR when he or she is over the weight limit of the seat. The child should then use a Convertible seat or 3-stage seat, rear-facing, until it is safe for him or her to travel facing forward.
Infant/Child seats (Convertible seats) and Infant/Child/Boosters (3-stage seats) can be used rear-facing up to 13.6-20.4 kg (30-45 lb.) and 76-112 cm (30-44 in.), depending on the model. These car seats can be used forward-facing for children up to 18-30 kg (40-65 lb.) and 101-135 cm (40-53 in.), depending on the model. Infant/Child/Booster seats can also be used as a Booster seat from 18 to 36-45 kg (40 to 80-100 lb.).
