How to Fit a Child in a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Important

This guide provides general fitting advice only. Always read your car seat user manual and follow the manufacturer instructions for your specific seat. If you are unsure about installation or fit, contact your retailer or a trained car seat specialist for tailored support.

Rear-Facing Fitting Guide

Rear-facing car seats are designed to support children for extended use. Correct harness height, positioning and adjustment are key to keeping your child safe and comfortable.

• Set the harness at the correct height

The harness should come from level with or up to 2 cm below your child’s shoulders. As your child grows, adjust the headrest or harness height to maintain this position.

• Use inserts for as long as recommended

Some rear-facing seats include inserts for smaller children. These should be used as directed by the manufacturer and removed gradually as your child grows. Never add third party inserts.

• Position your child correctly in the seat

Your child should be sat fully back in the seat with their bottom against the backrest. Their back should be flat against the seat before tightening the harness.

• Check the shoulder pads

The harness pads should sit on your child’s shoulders and close to the neck.

• Tighten the harness correctly

The harness should be snug with no more than a one finger gap between your child’s collarbone and the harness.

Helpful Tips

• Encourage an upright seated position

Children should be sitting upright rather than slouched or leaning forward before the harness is tightened.

• Check the fit regularly

Growth spurts can happen quickly, so regularly check that the harness height and tightness are still correct.

FAQ

What recline setting should I use?

This depends on your specific seat and what the user manual allows. Some seats only permit certain recline positions when rear-facing or forward-facing. As a general rule, it is safest for your child to travel as upright as they can comfortably tolerate, provided this is within the manufacturer’s guidance.

My child’s legs look bent - is that safe?

Yes. Children are flexible and it is completely normal for them to sit with bent, crossed or propped legs in a rear-facing seat.