Rearward-facing

The short definition

Rearward-facing means the car seat is fitted so the baby looks towards the back of the car. It is required by law in Australia for babies up to six months old.

What it actually means

Bub's back is to the windscreen and bub faces the rear window. From the driver's seat, Dadda cannot see bub's face.

This is not a preference and it is not a style of parenting. Children up to the age of six months must be secured in a suitable, properly fastened and adjusted approved rearward-facing restraint.

Children under four years old also cannot travel in the front seat of a car that has two or more rows of seats.

Where Dadda will hear it

On the box, in the manual, from a fitting station, and from the midwife checking how bub is getting home.

Not to be confused with

Forward-facing. That comes much later, and when bub may turn around depends on the seat he is in and its own markings. The manual for his seat is the answer for his seat.

Also look at

• Read the full item: capsule or convertible car seat