Car Seats: Rear-Facing

We have discussed the importance of seatbelts (See our blog “Seatbelts” for more information), but it is very important to remember that seatbelts should be worn by ALL occupants of a vehicle. Making sure your child is in the proper car seat can save their life.

Below outlines 4 stages car seats under Colorado law:

Children under the age of 1 should always be in a rear-facing seat in the back seat. Until they reach the top height or weight limits that are listed on the car seat, they should remain in their rear-facing seat.

There are 3 types of rear-facing car seats:

1. Infant-only seat (rear-facing only). This seat is designed for newborns and infants. This car seat is small, portable, and rear-facing.
2. Convertible seat. When the child grows, this type of seat has the ability to convert from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat. Due to the fact that it fits children of various sizes, it allows for a child to stay in a rear-facing position longer.
3. All-in-one seat. This seat can also change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, as well as into a booster seat as the child grows. 

In a crash, rear-facing seats help decrease the risk of injuries because the head, neck and spine are protected by distributing the force of a crash over the entire body.  

Need help installing your car seat or just unsure if you did it right? Colorado has Inspection Stations. If you are unable to arrange a car seat check at a local station, contact Angel Griffin at (720) 376-1391 or email her at angel.griffin@state.co.us to set up a virtual appointment.

For more information, visit the NHTSA’s car seat and booster seat recommendations or review the Colorado car seat and booster seat FAQs.