How long should a child be in a rear-facing seat?

Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward- facing car seat with a harness and tether.

Can I use a European car seat in the US 2021?

Vice versa, a European car seat, certified ECE R44, can’t be used legally in US. Those are the two most common standards. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a quick three day trip or staying for a year. Exceptions might apply to military personnel in Europe (and other countries) and diplomats.

Should my 3 year old be rear-facing?

The AAP now recommends that kids sit rear-facing until at least age 2 and for longer if possible. NHTSA now recommends: “Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.”

Are US car seats legal in Germany?

German law since 1993 states that passengers younger than 12 years of age and less than 150 centimeters (4 feet 11 inches) tall must be in a child restraint system. Passengers older than 12 or above the legal height must use the car’s seat belt system.

Is rear-facing really safer?

Rear-facing is still the safest way for children to ride, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics which recently updated their guidelines in 2018. Every transition actually reduces the amount of protection a child has in the event of a crash.

What is the safest rear facing car seat?

Typically the center rear seat is the safest place for a car seat, and never install a car seat in the front seat. If your car does not have a latch connector for the middle seat, you can use the middle seat belt to properly secure the base.

What are the laws on rear facing car seats?

Car Seat Laws According to the NHTSA , all children under the age of 1 must be in a rear facing car seat. Children under the age of 2 are drastically safer in a Rear-Facing Car Seat. In fact, children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.

Is a rear facing car seat so bad?

A rear-facing car seat offers the best protection for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even young school-age kids and should be properly used for as long as possible, to the limits of the car seat. Keeping your child rear-facing to the limit of the seat is the safest choice. You can check your car seat instruction book or the labels on the car seat sides to find the rear-facing weight and height limits.

What are the benifits of a rear facing car seat?

The benefits of keeping a child rear facing include: Added head and neck support in case of a crash. A rear facing seat spreads out impact more evenly. The belts don’t become a hazard because they are worn across the body properly. Necks are supported when children doze off. Their body placement also remains cradled.