What if my baby is too tall for rear facing car seat?
For older babies and toddlers whose legs are overhanging the rear-facing car seat, they can sit cross-legged, put their legs over the sides of the car seat, or prop them up on the vehicle seat.
What happens if baby is too big for car seat?
Booster seats. After your child gets too big for the weight or height limits of the forward-facing car seat, use a belt-positioning booster seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt. Learn more about booster seats.
What is the max weight for a rear facing car seat?
50 pounds
Several car seats today have rear-facing weight limits up to 50 pounds, which should accommodate almost every child through age 5 (unless they reach the maximum rear-facing height for the seat).
How long should a baby be rear facing in a car seat?
2 years
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.
How do I know if my baby is too big for his car seat?
A child has outgrown the infant seat when either of the following happens:
- the top of their head is less than an inch from the top of the seat when buckled in.
- they’ve reached the weight limit, which is typically 30 to 35 pounds.
When can you turn a car seat forward facing?
Once your child has reached the weight or height limits for their rear-facing seat — likely sometime after age 3 — they’re ready for forward facing.
Why you should keep your child rear facing?
A rear-facing car seat will absorb most of the crash forces and supports the head, neck and spine. When children ride forward-facing, their heads – which for toddlers are disproportionately large and heavy – are thrown forward, possibly resulting in spine and head injuries.
