As we mums soon find out when we become pregnant, getting a suitable car seat for our baby is crucial to ensure they are kept safe – and it’s not only important, it’s the law.

 

Now we’ve a baby on board, our priority is to ensure they are comfortably restrained in a way that offers them the best protection in the event of a collision.

 

Enter rearward-facing travel, the safest way for babies and toddlers to be seated in a car. So in our handy guide we explain what it is, and how it protects your child.

 

What is rearward-facing travel?

 

Simply put, it’s where your child’s car seat is fitted to face the backseat of the car, in the direction of the car’s rear window.

 

 

Why does my child need extra protection?

 

Babies and toddlers are in the developmental stage, so their bodies are much more vulnerable than an adult’s. A baby’s head is in fact five times heavier on their bodies than an adult head on an adult body, so they need more support to protect their neck and head.

 

So why rearward-facing?

 

Rearward-facing seats provide greater protection for baby’s head, neck and spine. In the event of a collision, a child in a front-facing seat will be thrown forwards, towards the point of impact, putting serious strain on the neck and spine. However, if a child is rearward-facing, the impact will be lessened thanks to the back of their car seat, and their neck and spine will be kept in line.

 

 

Is there any instance I shouldn’t face the seat rearwards?

 

Yes, and it’s extremely important. You should never put a rearward facing seat in the front seat if there’s a passenger airbag – if an airbag goes off where a rearward–facing baby seat is fitted, it could cause serious injury to the child and can even be fatal. In fact, it’s illegal, and will get you three penalty points on your licence.

 

When should I move my child to a front-facing seat?

 

The Road Safety Authority says you should only move your child to a forward facing seat when your child is between 12 and 15 months, when the top of their head is higher than the top of the seat or when they reach the height and weight limit for their rearward-facing seat.  However, in the US recommendation is two years, and the RSA does stress that children should be kept in a rearward-facing seat for as long as possible.

 

 

I want my child to stay rearward-facing longer. Is there a car seat that does this?

 

Yes, the Maxi Cosi AxissFix Plus offers rear-facing travel for children up to 87cm in height (approx. two years old), extending well beyond the 15 months. This incredibly clever car seat was designed for children from birth until four years, and thanks to its genius 360 swivel, which spins the seat to front-facing, you won't have to reinstall the seat when your child is old enough to face forwards.

 

Plus, that swivel action mean you can strap in your child easily before rotating them around the face the rear, reducing strain on your upper body. How smart is that?

 

For more information on the Maxi Cosi AxissFix Plus visit the website here

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