How long should I use a rear-facing car seat?

Your infant should ride rear-facing in the backseat until he is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 pounds. This offers the best protection for your infant’s spinal cord.

• Tighten safety seat harness straps snugly and comfortably. Make sure there is no slack. Straps that are too loose may not hold your infant in the car seat during a crash.
• Keep the chest clip at armpit level to hold the harness straps on your infant’s shoulders.
• Never put thick padding under or behind your infant in a car seat. After fastening the harness straps, place rolled receiving blankets along your infant’s side and head to keep him comfortable.
• Harness straps should come through a slot at or below your infant’s shoulders.
• Look for convertible car seats with weight limits more than 22 pounds. Higher weight limits allow your infant to ride rear-facing longer for better head, neck and spinal cord protection.

Law states that the minimum age for ending the use of rear-facing car seats is one year and at least 20 pounds. However, the pediatric academy now recommends using these until two years of age or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight recommendations from the car seat manufacturer.