Why keep children rear-facing for longer

Before explaining in more detail when to switch car seats, it's important to understand why these transitions matter.

Car seats are designed to provide optimal protection based on a child's size, weight, and developmental stage. Each seat offers specific safety features, and moving to the next stage too early can compromise that protection. That's why following the recommended guidelines is essential for minimizing the risk of injury in case of an accident.

An infant car seat is often the first car seat new parents purchase. These rear-facing seats are designed to protect newborns and small infants during their first months of life. Infant car seats typically come with a detachable base that stays in the car, while the seat itself can be carried or snapped into a stroller.

- Designed to face the rear of the vehicle.
- Usually used for babies weighing between 2-13 kg, depending on the seat model.
- Equipped with a harness system to securely strap the baby in place.
- Portable and compatible with strollers for ease of transport.

- Outgrown weight or height limit: Most infant car seats have a weight limit of around 13-15 kg, but you should also check the height limit, as a baby’s head should never surpass the headrest. When either of these limits is reached, it’s time to make the switch.

- Head extends past the top of the seat: Even if your baby hasn't reached the weight limit, if their head is too close to the edge, you need to switch.

- Age and development: While some babies outgrow their infant car seat by height before their first birthday, others might use it comfortably until they're closer to 18 months.

Once your baby has outgrown the infant car seat, the next step is usually a rear-facing toddler car seat. These seats are designed to be used rear-facing for a longer time, offering increased protection during the toddler years.

After spending time in a rear-facing seat, your child will eventually be ready to transition to a forward-facing car seat. This move marks a major milestone, but when exactly should it happen?

Before discussing the switch from infant to toddler car seat, it's important to understand the reasoning behind keeping children in rear-facing seats for as long as possible. Research shows that rear-facing seats provide superior protection, especially for the head, neck, and spine. In a rear-facing position, the car seat cradles the child’s entire body in the event of a crash, reducing the likelihood of serious injury. If you still have doubts about why it’s safer, read our guide explaining why rear-facing car seats are always safer.

- Weight and height limits of the rear-facing seat: Toddler car seats allow children to stay rear-facing longer than infant seats, often up to 18-22 kg. Your child should remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight for the seat.


- Age consideration: Keep children rear-facing until at least 4 years old, preferably longer. Always follow the height and weight limits specified for your car seat when deciding when it is time to switch.

Eventually, your child will outgrow their rear-facing car seat, and the next step is moving to a high-back booster seat. Booster seats are designed to elevate your child so that the car’s seat belt fits properly across their body. But when is the right time to make this transition?

- Outgrowing the forward-facing seat: Most forward-facing car seats can accommodate children up to 135 for most EU countries (with some exceptions of up to 150 cm). Once your child exceeds this weight or becomes too tall for the harness straps, it’s time to switch.


- Age and maturity: While weight and height are the primary factors, your child also needs to be mature enough to sit still without slouching or moving the seatbelt.

- High-back boosters: Provide secure belt routing, head and neck support and are ideal for cars without high seatbacks or headrests.

- Backless boosters: These are simpler and easier to move between cars but should only be used when the car’s seat provides adequate head support. They are allowed at a later age, when the child is at least 125 cm /22kg. We don’t recommend the usage of backless boosters and advise to instead always opt for the high-back booster seat.

Transitioning from one car seat to another is a key part of keeping your child safe on the road, but it’s important not to rush these changes. Whether you’re switching from an infant car seat to a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat, or eventually a booster, follow the guidelines provided by the car seat manufacturer and local laws. Always prioritize safety over convenience, ensuring your child uses the correct car seat for their age, size, and developmental stage.

By following these tips and staying informed about when to switch car seats, you can ensure your child is always traveling in the safest possible setup.