What position do car seat handles have to be in when driving?
We’ve compiled a list of the authorised positions an infant car seat handle can be placed in when travelling in the car
It would be understandable if you thought that handle on an infant car seat has to be positioned to the back when travelling in the car, but that’s not usually the case.
In fact, where the carry handles of an infant carrier should be placed when travelling vary from seat to seat.
There are actually multiple positions an infant car seat carry handle can be placed when you’re using it, they usually are:
Carry/upright position:
The upright position is used when you're carrying and transporting your baby in the infant car seat. When in the car, it can also be used as a safety device that ensures the infant carrier does not rebound into the seat of the car in case of a rear impact or rollover accident.
Anti-rebound position:
Much like the upright position, the anti-rebound position is used as a safety device that ensures the infant carrier does not rebound into the seat of the car in case of a rear impact or rollover accident. This can also be used as the rocking position.
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Convenience position:
This position allows you to get the handle out of the way, so you can take your baby out of the seat easier, when not travelling.
Store position:
When not in the car, this position allows you to store the car seat away while it takes up less space.
Stand position:
Used out of the car, this position serves as an 'anti-rocking function, to keep the seat in place on a hard surface.
When travelling, the most common position is often the carry/upright position, or the anti-rebound position, which is forward towards your baby’s feet. Confusingly, the travel position is one of the least used.
The most important thing to know is that you should check the instructions on your child seat to see the authorized/tested handle position when driving in the car.
There may also be instructions on the side of your seat that will show the correct handle position for travelling.
To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the authorised handle positions for the most popular infant car seats.
- Maxi-Cosi Pebble, Pebble Plus, Cabriofix, Citi - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Britax Baby-Safe i-Size, Baby-Safe Plus SHR II, Baby-Safe - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Kiddy Evoluna i-Size, Evolution Pro 2 - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Cybex Aton Q, Aton Q i-Size - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Cybex Cloud Q - Position in car: Anti-rebound
- Recaro Guardia, Privia Evo, Priva, Zero.1 Elite - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Joie Gemm, i-Level, Juva - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Be Safe iZi Go Modular i-Size, iZi Go X1 - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Concord Air Safe - Position in car: Anti-rebound
- Nuna Pipa - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Jane Koos, Matrix - Position in car: Anti-rebound
- Graco SnugFix, SungRide, SnugRide i-Size - Position in car: Carry/upright, Travel
- Graco Junior Baby - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Mothercare Ziba, Maine - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Obaby Group 0+ infant car seat - Position in car: Carry/upright
- GB Idan, Artio - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Doona - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Silver Cross Simplicity - Position in car: Anti-rebound
- Cosatto Hold - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Hauck Zero Plus 0+, Comfort Fix - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Migo Satellite - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Cozy N Safe Snowdon - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Chicco Autofix - Position in car: Carry/upright
- Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SL - Position in car: Anti-rebound
- Safety 1st infant car seat - Position in car – carry/upright
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Authors
Having been a journalist for 15 years – and Reviews Editor at MadeForMums for five of those – Hazelann has accrued a lot of experience testing and reviewing every baby product imaginable.
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