Rear Facing Car Seat Weight Limit

Car seat manufacturers have responded to both the safety recommendations and the increasing weight of american children introducing beginning in 2009 seats with a 40 lbs rear facing weight capacity.

Rear facing car seat weight limit. At that point the seat can be converted into a forward facing. Until recently the rear facing capacity of most car seats in the united states maxed out at 35 lbs. For a long time the radian had the highest rear facing weight limit of any usa convertible and was probably second only to the true fit for rear facing height limit as well. Most convertible car seats can be used in the rear facing position until a child reaches the weight limit typically 40 to 50 pounds.

This should be clearly stated on the label on the side of the seat itself and in the owners manual. However this isnt the case with infant only rear facing car seats which usually have a weight limit that hovers in the low 20s mark at around 22 25lbs. Most convertible car seats these days let kids stay rear facing up to 40 pounds which will take many kids through the age 2 guideline check the back of the seat for the specific weight and height limits of your rear facing convertible car seat model but if you want your child to rear face longer youll need to choose the right seat. Most have rear facing limits of 35 40 pounds.

Infant rear facing car seats usually have a weight limit of 22 pounds or more. Each manufacturer has individual and specific recommendations for weight guidelines so check with the manufacturer of your car seat for specific guidelines pertaining to the seat. Always check your car seats instruction manual look at the labels on the seat or call the car seats manufacturer to find out your car seats weight and height maximums. Convertible seats usually have higher weight limits than infant seats.

The weight limits for a rear facing car seat range between 5 pounds and 22 or 35 pounds states the american academy of pediatrics. See our rear facing convertible toddler seat recommendations to help you choose the next seat. Once children reach the height or weight limit and shift to a forward facing seat they should use safety seats with harnesses for as long as possible often up to 65 pounds. This means that a linebacker 1 year old can remain rear facing up to the maximum height and weight of the car seat this usually means around 40 to 50 pounds and up to 44 to 49 inches tall depending on the make and model.