Rear facing car seats in small cars

jperlson · Aug 15, 2002

Rear facing car seats in small cars

I currently have a six month old who is about to be out of the rear facing infant car seat. She is already 20lbs. Our nanny has a two door Toyota Celica. We have not been able to find a rear facing or convertible car seat that fits correctly and is easily accessible. The Britax requires you to climb in the driver side back seat lift the 20lb child into the seat. I have booster seat in the rear driver side which makes it difficult to put the child properly in the car seat.

Any suggestions on smaller "safe" rear facing car seats?
I cannot imagine that owners of small cars do not have children!

Caviller · Aug 15, 2002

Please Try the "Compatibility" link under the top

It may give you some ideas on what other owners of your vehicle have used. Unfortunately, small coupes can often be difficult for kids.

Darren

murphydog77 · Aug 15, 2002

Re: Rear facing car seats in small cars

Hi. The compatibility database is a good place to start. Also on that site is a database of car seat measurements http://www.car-seat.org/forumdisplay.php?f=61 where you can look up the height of the shell of the car seat. This way you can find a shorter seat that may work; however, it's more likely that a child will outgrow a short seat by height before weight.

Don't forget that at 6 months, a baby can be more upright, as long as it's comfortable and her head doesn't flop forward when she sleeps. That may buy you another inch or so of room. It's also quite safe for a rear-facing car seat to rest against the front seat (except for the Century SmartMove, which should never touch the seat in front).

Heather