Rear Facing Height Clarification

Ellie173 · Feb 26, 2013

Hi!
I was reading over the Rear Facing section on "Car Seat Basics" today and was hoping to get some clarification on the height limit. It mentions the 1" rule which I am familiar with but it mentions the head even with the shell which is one I had never heard before (quoted below). Just wanted to make sure before sending the link to a friend since I have only heard of the 1" rule and never head level with the shell rule. Or maybe I am tired and am reading this incorrectly which is most likely the issue

"An appropriate height guideline to determine when a child is too tall for a rear-facing convertible is when the top of their head reaches the top of the shell. Make sure to measure to the top of the hard shell and not the fabric cover that may appear be taller. If your seat has an adjustable head support (like the Britax Boulevard or the Cosco Alpha Omega/3-in-1), then the top of the head support is the important level if it extends beyond the main shell."

Thank you!

MommyShannon · Feb 26, 2013

This varies by seat so they need to read their seats manual. Some seats like Britax, are outgrown when the top of the head is 1" from the top of the hard shell. You have to make sure to measure against the shell and not the headwings that move above the shell. Some seats like Dorel have a standing height limit too like 36" or 40". So it is outgrown at that height even if there is still more room.