1. National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program
National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program
Module 8
Children in Rear-Facing Car Seats
8-1
2. Module 8 Objectives
• Describe why children should travel rear-facing.
• Identify types of rear-facing car seats.
• Apply 5 steps for rear-facing car seat use.
• Explain best practices and caregiver choices
about rear-facing car seats.
• Identify rear-facing car seat errors and
consequences.
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5. 2 Types of Rear-Facing Car Seats
Rear-facing-only
Convertible
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6. Rear-Facing-Only Car Seats
• Check car seat label for starting weight.
• In general, top of child’s head should be well
contained within shell and at least 1 inch from
top
of shell.
• Harness needs to be snug at or below child’s
shoulders.
• Caregivers should NEVER use rear-facing seat
above height or weight limits designated by
manufacturer.
8-6
7. Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seats
• Many new car seats are approved for rearfacing for up to 40+ pound children.
• Children commonly sit with legs crossed or
resting on back of vehicle seat – low injury
risk.
• Older children with poor head control and other
children with special needs may benefit from
staying rear-facing as long as possible.
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8. 5 Steps for Car Seat Use
1. Selection: Choose the right car seat.
2. Direction: Face the car seat the right way.
3. Location: Install the car seat in an appropriate
location in the vehicle.
4. Installation: Secure the car seat to vehicle in
the right way.
5. Harnessing: Place the child correctly in the car
seat.
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9. Rear-Facing Car Seat Selection
• Select for the child’s height, weight,
development levels, AND that caregiver can use
correctly.
• Select with an adjustable harness height to offer
options for rapidly growing infant.
• Some have multiple positions for crotch straps
for better fit as child grows.
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10. Rear-Facing Car Seat Direction
• Under age 1 ALWAYS ride rear-facing.
• Stay rear-facing AS LONG AS POSSIBLE – until
reaching the top height or weight limit.
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11. Rear-Facing Car Seat Location
• Not all seats are suitable for installing a car
seat. Check manufacturer instructions.
• Always ask, “Who rides in this vehicle? Where
will each person sit?”
• Turn off air bag if necessary to place child in the
front seat.
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12. Rear-Facing Car Seat Installation
• Rear-facing car seat spreads crash forces.
• Correct angle helps keep airway open.
• Know car seat recline angle.
• Use recline angle and adjustor.
• Adjust to accommodate the seat and vehicle
slope.
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14. Seat Belt or Lower Anchors
• Car seats can be installed
with a seat belt or with
lower anchor attachments
– usually NOT both.
• While the systems are
different, they are equally
safe.
8-14
16. Common Rear-Facing Car Seat
Installation Errors
• Seat belt or lower anchor attachment that is too
loose or not locked
• Rear-facing-only car seat that is facing forward
• Seat belt or lower anchor attachments routed
incorrectly
• Incorrect recline angle especially for an infant
• Using 2 seat belts or using a seat belt and lower
anchor attachments together (must be allowed
by BOTH the vehicle and car seat manufacturer)
8-16
17. Common Rear-Facing Car Seat
Installation Errors (continued)
• Incorrect use of lower anchor connectors and
tethers
• Not using appropriate tether anchor or using a
tether when it should not be used (most
convertible car seats do not tether when rearfacing)
• Locking clip installed incorrectly
• Carrying handle not used in the approved
position for vehicle travel
8-17
18. Common Rear-Facing Car Seat
Harnessing Errors
• Harness not used and child just sitting in car
seat
• Harness straps that are too loose
• Retainer clip not at armpit level
• Harness routed through wrong slots
• Harness not doubled-back through buckle type
metal adjuster, if it requires double-back to
secure the harness
• Harness is twisted
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19. Common Rear-Facing Car Seat
Harnessing Errors (continued)
• Harness not placed on child correctly
• Harness frayed or damaged
• M etal adjuster not flush with slot or out of
position
• Crotch strap adjusted too long
• Harness not at or below shoulder
• Crotch strap not through slot closest to child
• Harness incorrectly routed
8-19
20. AAP Recommendations for
Small & Premature Children
• Monitor all children
born before 37 weeks
before they leave
hospital for possible
breathing problems
or slowing of heart
rate when sitting in a
semi-reclined
position
• Physician determines
how children will ride
8-20
21. How to Fit Small & Prematurely Born
Infants in Car Seats
• Use a rear-facing car seat with small internal
harness dimensions.
• Use a car seat designed for the child’s low
weight.
• Center child in a car seat with rolled receiving
blankets and a crotch roll, if necessary.
8-21
22. How to Fit Children in Car Beds
• Secure child in car
bed with the internal
harness or bunting.
• Place child’s head
toward center of
vehicle – NOT next to
door.
• Use seat belt to
anchor car bed
lengthwise on vehicle
seat.
8-22
23. How to Fit Children with
Breathing Problems
• May require child to lie
flat or use a nonconventional car seat.
• Semi-reclined position of
car seat could make
breathing problems
worse.
• Children may need to
travel with secured
special medical
equipment.
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24. Key Questions Related to
Rear-Facing Car Seats
• What are the age, height, and weight of the
child?
• Does the child have any special needs such as
being very small, premature, or other physical or
developmental needs?
• What does the car seat owner’s manual or label
say about the minimum and maximum heights
and weights for the child using this car seat?
• Is the car seat a rear-facing-only or convertible
type?
• Does the rear-facing-only car seat have a base?
Can it be installed without a base?
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25. Key Questions Related to
Rear-Facing Car Seats (continued)
• Is the car seat facing the correct direction in the
vehicle?
• Is the car seat in an appropriate seating position
in the vehicle according to the vehicle and car
seat manufacturers?
• Is the car seat installed tightly?
• Is the car seat secured by a seat belt or with
lower anchor attachments?
• Is the car seat at the correct recline angle?
• Is the harness being used correctly?
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