quick clicks

home style today articles

home style today q&a

traveling today articles

traveling today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Expert Q&A

	By Stacy A. Robarge Parent Educator

When traveling a long distance by car, my husband will sometimes lean my daughter's car seat way back so she can sleep better. Is this safe?

"

No, it is not safe to lean your child's car seat back. Car seats are crash tested in the position that is recommended by the car seat manual. For forward facing car seats that would be in the upright position, and for rear facing car seats that would be at an angle of no more than 45 degrees. In addition to crash testing, the car seat structure may not be designed to withstand the forces of a crash in any other position than the one recommended in the car seat manual. I do not recommend that you position the car seat in a reclined position for forward facing because it has not been tested nor designed for that position and may not be safe for your child. If a forward facing child safety seat is installed tightly and correctly you should not be able to recline it. I would suggest that you call your local law enforcement agency, or local chapter of safe kids and ask for a car seat check to ensure that your seat is in tightly and correctly. For more information about car seat check points and technicians in your areas see www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

View more Q&A by this Expert