Karen Kite
New member
I just saw a post where you recommended bracing. Can you explain?? And what are the correct angles for infants and toddlers RF?? How do you measure the angle, with a level?
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What is bracing?
- Thread starter Karen Kite
- Start date
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Bracing is where a rear-facing seat is up against one or both of the front seats--the top of the car seat is supported by the front seat.
The correct angle of recline for a newborn is 45 degrees. That's necessary to keep the baby's head from flopping forward and cutting off the airway. I've found with both of my kids that they were most comfortable at this angle until around 6 months of age. In a frontal crash (the most common type), the car seat rotates down and toward the front of the vehicle. Anything more (flatter) than a 45 degree angle is dangerous because a child can ramp up and out of the seat in a crash.
Older babies and toddlers can be more upright when rear-facing. You still want some recline for comfort; if the child's head flops forward when s/he falls asleep, just increase the recline.
I usually just guestimate when it comes to angles. I use my hand: when I'm standing on the right side of the vehicle looking in, I make an L with my left thumb and forefinger. A 45 degree angle means that the seat is half way between each finger. I use my right hand when I'm standing on the left side of the vehicle. Some infant seats have indicators, but I've found my technique to be easier to use sometimes.
The correct angle of recline for a newborn is 45 degrees. That's necessary to keep the baby's head from flopping forward and cutting off the airway. I've found with both of my kids that they were most comfortable at this angle until around 6 months of age. In a frontal crash (the most common type), the car seat rotates down and toward the front of the vehicle. Anything more (flatter) than a 45 degree angle is dangerous because a child can ramp up and out of the seat in a crash.
Older babies and toddlers can be more upright when rear-facing. You still want some recline for comfort; if the child's head flops forward when s/he falls asleep, just increase the recline.
I usually just guestimate when it comes to angles. I use my hand: when I'm standing on the right side of the vehicle looking in, I make an L with my left thumb and forefinger. A 45 degree angle means that the seat is half way between each finger. I use my right hand when I'm standing on the left side of the vehicle. Some infant seats have indicators, but I've found my technique to be easier to use sometimes.
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