F is for FIX YOUR ANGLE
Why is a car seat’s recline angle important, especially for rear-facing children? It helps to protect the airway! When a baby is born, they lack the tone in their neck to hold up their head. We also know that babies have very small, flexible airways. When they get into a chin-to-chest position, this can block their ability to breathe freely, and poses significant risk to a child without head control (We *ARE going to talk about head slump later in the series, don’t worry!)
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For a newborn, the angle should be as reclined as permitted in the car seat user manual.
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The angle may change, so be mindful that it may be adjusted over time! Your car seat’s user manual will indicate at what point the angle can or should be changed, typically based on weight, age, or a developmental milestone (ex: head control, sitting unassisted).
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⚠️TIP: Always check the car seat’s angle when you’re parked on a flat. Many angle indicators rely on gravity and if you’re parked on a slope, even a small one, you won’t get an accurate reading.
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💡NOTE: Some forward facing car seats may also have certain required recline angles as specified in the car seat manual. On some car seats, adjusting the angle may create a more secure install by improving the car seat’s fit-to-vehicle. Always check your car seat’s user manual for guidance.
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Do you have questions about angles and car seats? Drop them in the comments below 👇
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👋 Hey, I'm Jamie! I’m a CPST, an internationally-recognized baby gear expert, and baby industry veteran of nearly 20 years. I am the unofficial Guncle of the internet and currently am on the Board of Directors of The ABC Kids Show.
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👋 Hey, I'm Holly! I’m a baby + toddler safety expert: certified pediatric first aid instructor, car seat instructor (CPST-I) and childproofing/injury prevention professional.
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