When it comes to choosing a car seat for your child, safety should always be the top priority. But did you know that keeping your child in an extended rear-facing car seat can be up to five times safer than opting for a forward-facing one? Many parents make the switch to forward-facing too soon, but extending rear-facing for as long as possible can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury during a collision.
Why Extended Rear-Facing?
A child’s head can account for up to 25% of their total body weight, compared to just 6% for an adult. This makes their necks especially vulnerable in the event of a crash. In a forward-facing seat, a sudden impact puts extreme strain on the neck and spine. In contrast, a rear-facing seat distributes the forces of a collision more evenly across the back, head, and neck, reducing strain by as much as 80%. This added protection can be lifesaving in the event of an accident.
Tommy Petterson, who is responsible for collision testing at VTI (the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute), emphasizes:
Many years of research, collision tests, and accidents have shown us that rear-facing child car seats are by far the safest.
Dr. Tor Einar Calisch from the University Hospital in Oslo adds:
I recommend rear-facing child car seats as long as possible, and preferably up to 4-5 years. Small children have heads, bones, and muscles that are not fully developed. In a frontal impact, a correct rear-facing child car seat almost eliminates the risk of serious neurological damage and death in young children.
Choosing the Right Extended Rear-Facing Car Seat
BeSafe Stretch – Rear-Facing Up to 7 Years (125 cm & 36 kg)
Scandinavian car seat brand BeSafe is dedicated to ensuring the highest levels of safety and comfort for your child on every journey. Their range of extended rear-facing car seats combines innovative safety features, superior comfort, and the flexibility to grow with your child.
For parents looking for a car seat that combines longevity, comfort, and safety, the BeSafe Stretch is an excellent choice.
- Unbeatable Legroom – Adjustable up to 26 cm, ensuring a comfortable ride even for children as old as 7.
- Flexible Installation – Can be installed using the car’s seatbelt, making it easy to place in nearly any seating position, including the front passenger seat.
- Unique Safety Frame – Absorbs impact energy and stabilizes your child in the event of a crash, offering exceptional protection.
- 10-Step Adjustable Headrest – Provides outstanding comfort with five adjustable recline positions, even after installation.
- Extra Side Impact Protection – Absorbs 20% more impact force for enhanced safety in the event of a side collision.
BeSafe Beyond – Convenience Meets Safety from 6 Months to 6 Years
Designed with both parents and children in mind, the BeSafe Beyond combines top-tier safety with ease of use.
- One-Hand Rotation & Recline – Easily rotate the seat towards the door for quick and stress-free access to your child.
- More Leg Space – Adjustable up to 16 cm to accommodate growing legs.
- Quick ISOfix Installation – The simple click-and-go system makes installation hassle-free.
- 11 Headrest Positions – Offers a comfortable and spacious ride, supporting your child up to 6 years (125 cm).
- Extra Side Impact Protection – Absorbs 20% more impact force for enhanced safety in side collisions.
Industry Recognition
Both the BeSafe Stretch and BeSafe Beyond have passed the Swedish Plus Test, one of the toughest crash tests in the world. This test primarily assesses the forces on a child’s neck and overall protection in severe frontal impacts. The Plus Test exceeds the crash severity of comparable tests for child car seats due to its high speed and extremely short stopping distance.
In addition, the BeSafe Beyond has earned top safety ratings from independent testing organizations, including Which? and ADAC.
Which? praised the seat in their November 2024 review:
BeSafe Beyond is a very safe car seat with an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. It has a very low risk of injury in both a front and side-on collision, which is excellent.
Give Your Child the Best Protection
Switching to extended rear-facing isn’t just about following safety recommendations – it’s about making the safest choice for your little one. With BeSafe Stretch and BeSafe Beyond, you can travel with confidence, knowing your child is protected by the latest in safety innovations.
Invest in their safety today, because every journey matters.