Car seats: rear-facing, harness fit, and not for sleep
Car seats (AAP): rear-facing as long as the seat allows, harness fit, no bulky coats, used seats, not for sleep
Reviewed against its source, listed below
At a glance
- Rear-facing until the child reaches the top weight or height limit of their seat; many convertible seats allow this to 2 years or more.
- Never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active passenger airbag. Children under 13 ride in the back seat.
- Harness: rear-facing straps at or below the shoulders, snug enough that you can't pinch slack at the shoulder, chest clip at armpit level.
- No thick coats or snowsuits under the harness (they compress in a crash): thin layers, with a coat or blanket over the buckled straps.
- Avoid a used seat unless you know its history; never one that's too old, cracked, missing its date label, instructions or parts, recalled, or been in a moderate or severe crash.
- Car seats are for travel, not for sleeping, feeding or lounging outside the car. If a baby falls asleep in one, move them to a flat sleep space on their back once you're out.
In Livia
If your baby falls asleep in the car seat, the sleep timer keeps counting while you move them to a flat sleep space on their back.
Get early access →Sources
Education from the sources listed, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, call your pediatrician; in an emergency, call 911.