EMERSON Article ~ more details (rear-facing)

Some of you may have younger children, or babies, and may be wanting some information on infant seats, convertible seats, and rear-facing. Here you go!
Remember, if you have questions/comments/want a seat inspection, use the comments feature at the bottom of each post, or click my profile and send me an email!

REAR FACING
A rear-facing infant seat is safest for a newborn. You want to make sure that the shoulder straps are coming out below, or just even with the shoulders. If the strap slot being used is above the shoulders, it is not a proper fit, and you should move the harness to the next lower slot, or a different seat should be used.

By law in Manitoba, you need to keep your child rear facing until they are 1 year old and 20 lbs and walking unassisted. Do remember that this is the bare minimum. It is now recommended to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible. If your child weighs more than 20lbs before they are 1 year old, you need to purchase a convertible seat with a higher weight limit so that they can remain rear-facing.

Do NOT worry about your child’s feet touching the vehicle seat back, or their legs being “too long”. Your child’s legs and feet are fine, and will not be injured. The biggest concern should always be your child’s head and neck, since children as old as 2 or 3 still have large heads and weak necks in proportion to their bodies.
Once your child outgrows the infant seat, it is recommended to use a convertible carseat in a rear facing position. Many convertible seats now rear-face to 35, or even 40 lbs, which gives you the opportunity to keep your child rear facing past a year.

When buckling your infant, make sure the chest clip is at armpit level, and that the straps are not twisted or folded, and snug enough that you cannot pinch any slack in the webbing. You should only be able to fit 1 finger between the webbing and your child’s shoulder.