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Best Rear Facing Car Seat For Small Car (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a rear-facing car seat for your small car, you’ve likely realized that not all car seats are created equal. As parents, we know how important it is to keep our little ones safe while on the road, but finding the right car seat can be overwhelming.

Before making a purchase, there are a few factors to consider that will ensure you find a car seat that not only fits in your small car, but also provides the necessary safety features. Some things to keep in mind include the weight and height limits of the car seat, the compatibility with your vehicle’s tractors, and the level of comfort for your child.

Do you have a small car but still want to make sure your child is comfortable and safe during car rides? Are you looking for a car seat that is easy to install and adjust? Are you unsure of which car seat will fit your vehicle the best? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then keep reading. We’ll go over everything you need to know to find the perfect rear-facing car seat for your small car.

10 Best Rear Facing Car Seat For Small Car

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for parents with rear-facing infants to monitor their child's safety while driving.
2
The product is ideal for monitoring infants and children in rear-facing car seats with a wide, adjustable, and shatterproof mirror.
3
The product is ideal for parents who want to ensure the safety of their newborns in rear-facing car seats.
4
It is ideal for parents to keep an eye on their baby in the car while driving.
5
It is ideal for parents to easily keep an eye on their baby while driving, without compromising safety.
6
This product is ideal for parents who want a space-saving car seat that can transform as their child grows.
7
The product is an ideal convertible car seat with easy installation, 360° rotating seat, and safety features for rear or forward-facing use.
8
The product is ideal for parents who want to keep an eye on their baby while driving.
9
This car seat is ideal for extended rear-facing use and can accommodate children weighing up to 50 pounds.
10
Ideal for parents to monitor their rear-facing infant in the car with a clear view, night light, and shatterproof design.
The product is ideal for parents with rear-facing infants to monitor their child's safety while driving.
The product is ideal for monitoring infants and children in rear-facing car seats with a wide, adjustable, and shatterproof mirror.
The product is ideal for parents who want to ensure the safety of their newborns in rear-facing car seats.
It is ideal for parents to keep an eye on their baby in the car while driving.
It is ideal for parents to easily keep an eye on their baby while driving, without compromising safety.
This product is ideal for parents who want a space-saving car seat that can transform as their child grows.
The product is an ideal convertible car seat with easy installation, 360° rotating seat, and safety features for rear or forward-facing use.
The product is ideal for parents who want to keep an eye on their baby while driving.
This car seat is ideal for extended rear-facing use and can accommodate children weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ideal for parents to monitor their rear-facing infant in the car with a clear view, night light, and shatterproof design.

1. Crystal Clear Baby Car Mirror: Safe Rear-Facing View

The Shynerk Baby Mirror is a must-have for parents who want to keep an eye on their little one while driving. This extra wide mirror provides a crystal-clear reflection and can be easily pivoted to your desired viewing angle, allowing you to keep your baby in sight at all times. The mirror is 360-degree adjustable, giving you complete control over the viewing angle.

Safety is a top priority with the Shynerk Baby Mirror. It is safety certified and crash tested, and features a shatterproof acrylic glass design that is strongly tied up by heavy-duty straps. The full rotation hinge ensures that even in the event of a crash or accident, your baby's safety is guaranteed.

The Shynerk Baby Mirror is incredibly easy to install, with easy to tighten straps that attach to your moveable headrest. The mirror swivels 360 degrees, providing you with a perfect view of your baby. It fits most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, making it a versatile accessory that you can use in any vehicle.

If you have any issues with your Shynerk Baby Mirror, the company offers excellent customer service and will take care of any problems you may have. Your satisfaction is their top priority.

Pros

  • Extra wide mirror provides a crystal-clear reflection
  • 360-degree adjustable mirror allows you to keep your baby in sight at all times
  • Safety certified and crash tested for your peace of mind
  • Easy to install with easy to tighten straps
  • Fits most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • – None found

2. Safetyscope: Rear-Facing Baby Car Mirror

Keep your baby in sight at all times with this large convex mirror measuring 7.4×11.8 inches. Its 360-degree joint allows for full adjustability, ensuring that you can angle it perfectly to always keep an eye on your little one. The mirror's convex shape provides an even wider view, making it easier to tell if your baby is doing okay.

Safety is a top priority with this mirror, as it is both safety certified and crash tested. The shatterproof acrylic glass and heavy-duty straps ensure that the mirror will stay in place in the event of an accident, giving you peace of mind that your baby is safe.

Installation is quick and easy with no assembly required. Simply fasten the straps to the headrest of your car's backseat and adjust the viewing angle to your rearview mirror. This mirror is designed to fit in all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.

This carefully designed baby mirror for cars features a shatterproof glass and an extra-durable strapping system to ensure that the mirror stays firmly in place even on bumpy roads. You can trust that this mirror will provide a steady and reliable view of your baby while you're driving.

Pros

  • Large mirror size and convex shape provide a wide view of your baby
  • 360-degree joint allows for full adjustability
  • Safety certified and crash tested for added peace of mind
  • Easy installation with no assembly required
  • Fits in all types of vehicles and installs in seconds
  • Shatterproof design and durable strapping system ensure mirror stays in place

3. Crystal Clear Baby Car Mirror By Cozy Greens.

Ensure the safety of your little one with the Cozy Greens extra large convex baby car mirror. With dimensions of 11.5 inches by 7.5 inches, the mirror provides an adjustable and crystal-clear view of your rear-facing infant from head to toe. No more guessing, you will be able to see your child clearly and focus on driving safely. The mirror is designed to keep your child comfortable and safe throughout the journey.

The Cozy Greens backseat mirror is engineered from the strongest crash-tested materials. It has passed 45 MPH crash testing at an official European testing facility, which is even stricter than standard USA baby car seat tests. The mirror is fitted with a super secure strap system that keeps the mirror firmly in place, providing parents with a sense of safety and security.

Cozy Greens is a family-owned small business that is committed to giving back to society. A portion of their profits is donated directly to the USA 501c certified foundation ChildsLife “chances for children” to benefit underprivileged children. By purchasing the Cozy Greens baby car mirror, you will be contributing directly to this noble cause.

The Cozy Greens baby car mirror is designed to save you valuable time. It can be installed in under one minute, so you can get back to providing your kids with love and care. The mirror requires ZERO assembly. All you need to do is unpack it, strap it to the headrest, adjust the viewing angle, and enjoy watching your little one's smiling face.

Pros

  • Extra-large convex mirror provides a crystal-clear view of your child from head to toe
  • Super secure strap system keeps the mirror firmly in place
  • Passed 45 MPH crash testing at an official European testing facility
  • Simple and quick installation saves valuable time
  • Lifetime factory warranty with a 100% refund or free replacement if not satisfied
  • A portion of profits is donated to the USA 501c certified foundation ChildsLife “chances for children”

4. Safedrive Baby Car Mirror – Gray, Shatterproof!

The extra-large convex mirror provides a wide-angle view of your baby, allowing you to keep an eye on them while driving. The Clear-Sight Mirror offers superior reflection and a distortion-free image, so you can see your baby clearly at all times.

The Soft-Touch Frame is lightweight and energy-absorbing, ensuring that it can withstand the bumps and jolts of everyday use. The mirror comes with multiple attachment options, making it easy to fit most vehicles. This means that you can use the mirror in different cars without any hassle.

In addition to being able to see your baby, your child can also see both the driver and their own reflection. This can help to keep them calm and entertained during car rides.

The mirror has been crash-tested and is shatter-resistant, so you can be confident that it will keep your baby safe in the event of an accident.

Pros

  • Extra-large convex mirror provides a wide-angle view of your baby
  • Clear-Sight Mirror offers superior reflection and a distortion-free image
  • Soft-Touch Frame is lightweight and energy-absorbing
  • Multiple attachment options fit most vehicles
  • Child can see driver and their own reflection
  • Crash-tested, shatter-resistant mirror for added safety

5. Munchkin® Brica® Swing!™ Baby In-Sight® Car Mirror, Crash Tested And Shatter Resistant

Make your little one's car rides fun and entertaining with the Animals Swing Car Mirror! This mirror features adorable animal designs that swing with the motion of your car, keeping your child engaged and happy during long drives. The mirror also boasts a Clear-Sight feature, which provides superior reflection and a distortion-free image. With this, your child can see the driver and their own reflection clearly.

The Animals Swing Car Mirror offers multiple attachment options that fit most vehicles, ensuring that it can be easily installed and used. It is also crash-tested and does not require any batteries, making it a convenient and safe option for parents on the go. Suitable for babies from birth up to 3 years old, this mirror is a must-have for any parent who wants to keep their child entertained and happy during car rides.

Pros

  • Features adorable animal designs that swing with the motion of your car, keeping your child engaged and happy during long drives
  • Boasts a Clear-Sight feature that provides superior reflection and a distortion-free image
  • Offers multiple attachment options that fit most vehicles, ensuring that it can be easily installed and used
  • Crash-tested and does not require any batteries, making it a convenient and safe option for parents on the go
  • Suitable for babies from birth up to 3 years old

6. Graco Slimfit 3 In 1 Car Seat | Slim & Comfy Design Saves Space In Your Back Seat, Darcie

The 3-in-1 car seat is a versatile option that grows with your child from infancy to toddlerhood. It can be used as a rear-facing harness for babies weighing between 5-40 pounds, as a forward-facing harness for children weighing between 22-65 pounds and as a highback booster for kids weighing between 40-100 pounds.

The slim design of the car seat includes dual integrated cup holders that can be rotated away, providing 10% more back seat space. Additionally, the seat has been Graco ProtectPlus Engineered and has undergone the most rigorous crash tests to ensure safety in frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes.

The no-rethread simply safe adjust harness system allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion, making it easier for parents to adjust the height of the headrest from 10 positions as their child grows. The 4-position recline provides comfort and better installation while the push-button InRight LATCH system ensures easy, one-second attachment with an audible click to ensure secure installation.

The car seat also features a harness storage compartment that keeps the harness safely stored while in belt-positioning booster mode, and a steel-reinforced frame that provides strength and durability for 10 years of use. An easy-to-read level indicator helps eliminate installation guesswork, ensuring a secure fit for your child.

Pros

  • Versatile 3-in-1 design that grows with your child from infancy to toddlerhood
  • Slim design with dual integrated cup holders that rotate away, providing 10% more back seat space
  • Graco ProtectPlus Engineered and has undergone the most rigorous crash tests to ensure safety in frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes
  • No-rethread simply safe adjust harness system allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion
  • Push-button InRight LATCH system ensures easy, one-second attachment with an audible click to ensure secure installation
  • Harness storage compartment that keeps the harness safely stored while in belt-positioning booster mode
  • Steel-reinforced frame provides strength and durability for 10 years of use
  • Easy-to-read level indicator helps eliminate installation guesswork

7. 360 Convertible Car Seat With Sensorsafe Technology

The Sirona S convertible car seat offers an innovative 360° rotatable seat, allowing for quick and easy switching between rear-facing and forward-facing positions. This feature makes it more convenient for parents to get their child in and out of the car. The car seat also features an EasyLock Bar that reduces the force needed for installation by up to 4x, ensuring simple and secure installation. Dual-level indicators ensure that the car seat is at the correct recline angle, while the load leg can reduce rotation in certain crashes by up to 30%.

For added safety, the Sirona S comes with SensorSafe technology built into the chest clip. This feature provides app alerts if a child unbuckles themselves, if the back seat has become too warm or too cold, if a child has been seated for too long, or if the driver accidentally leaves the child behind. In the event of a collision, the Sirona S offers superior protection with its Linear Side-Impact Protection (L.S.P.) feature, which absorbs up to 25% more impact compared to the same car seat without L.S.P. extended. The anti-rebound design also reduces car seat rebound movement.

The Sirona S car seat is designed to grow with your child. It features an adjustable headrest with 12 different positions, ensuring a perfect fit as your child grows. The harness can be adjusted without re-threading, making it easier to adjust the height of the shoulder straps.

Overall, the Sirona S convertible car seat offers innovative and convenient features to make traveling with children safer and more comfortable.

Pros

  • 360° rotatable seat for easy switching between rear-facing and forward-facing positions
  • EasyLock Bar for simple and secure car seat installation
  • SensorSafe technology for added safety and peace of mind
  • Superior protection with Linear Side-Impact Protection and anti-rebound design
  • Adjustable headrest and harness for a perfect fit as your child grows

8. Munchkin® Brica® Dualsight™ Baby Car Mirror

The Stay-in-Place Baby Mirror is a must-have for parents who want to keep an eye on their little ones while driving. With multiple mounting options, the driver can see the rear or forward-facing child with ease. The mirror is 55% larger than the original one and provides a wide-angle view of the baby, ensuring maximum visibility.

This mirror features a double push-lock suction cup attachment that keeps it securely in place. The mirror can pivot and rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to adjust the angle as needed. With this mirror, parents can drive with peace of mind knowing that their little ones are safe and secure.

The Stay-in-Place Baby Mirror is easy to install and remove, making it perfect for parents who are always on the go. It is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that it stays in great condition for years to come.

Pros

  • Multiple mounting options for easy viewing of rear or forward-facing child
  • Double push-lock suction cup attachment for secure placement
  • 55% larger than the original stay-in-place baby mirror
  • Provides a wide-angle view of the baby for maximum visibility
  • Mirror pivots and rotates 360 degrees for easy adjustment
  • Easy to install, remove, clean, and maintain

9. Prescott 3-In-1 Car Seat With Anti-Rebound Bar

The 3-in-1 car seat is designed to grow with your child, accommodating them from infancy to toddlerhood. The seat can be used as a rear-facing harness for children weighing 4-50 lbs, forward-facing harness for those weighing 22-65 lbs, and as a highback booster for children weighing 40-100 lbs. The seat's Anti-Rebound Bar feature provides an additional layer of safety by limiting the seat's rotation and your child's movement in the event of an impact. The Extend2Fit 4-position adjustable extension panel offers up to 5 inches of additional legroom, ensuring that your child can comfortably and safely ride rear-facing for longer. This car seat is designed using Graco ProtectPlus Engineering, which has undergone rigorous crash tests to provide your little one with optimal protection in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.

This car seat is easy to install and comes with clear instructions. The harness can be adjusted with ease, and the seat comes equipped with a cup holder, making it convenient for longer journeys. The seat's durable construction and comfortable padding ensure that your child is safe and comfortable throughout their journey.

The car seat has been designed to keep up with your child's growth, providing a comfortable and safe ride at every stage. Parents can rest assured that their child is protected, thanks to the seat's advanced safety features and Graco's commitment to quality and innovation.

Pros

  • Versatile 3-in-1 design accommodates children from 4-100 lbs
  • Anti-Rebound Bar feature provides an additional layer of safety
  • Extend2Fit extension panel offers up to 5 inches of additional legroom
  • Graco ProtectPlus Engineering ensures optimal protection in a variety of crash scenarios
  • Easy to install and adjust
  • Comes equipped with a cup holder for added convenience
  • Durable construction and comfortable padding ensure a safe and comfortable ride

10. 360° Safeview Baby Car Mirror With Light

The Rear Facing Baby Car Mirror with LED Light is an essential accessory for parents who want to keep an eye on their baby in the car. It comes with an integrated night light that provides a soft glow, which can be turned on and off with the remote control. The mirror has been made with baby-safe shatterproof acrylic and has been crash tested for added safety. It is designed with a wide crystal-clear view, providing a 360-degree fully adjustable pivot and a 7-inch extra-large convex shape that offers a clear and full view of the baby in the back seat.

The Diono Easy View mirror is very easy to install and adjust, it can be attached and adjusted in seconds. It is designed to fit any vehicle headrest, including smaller cars and SUVs. This mirror is an award-winner and has won multiple parenting awards for its clever and original design, providing parents with peace of mind while driving.

Pros

  • Integrated night light that provides a soft glow with remote control activation.
  • Made with baby safe shatterproof acrylic and has been crash tested for added safety.
  • Wide crystal-clear view, providing a 360-degree fully adjustable pivot and a 7-inch extra-large convex shape that offers a clear and full view of the baby in the back seat.
  • Quick and easy installation, can be attached and adjusted in seconds.
  • Designed to fit any vehicle headrest, including smaller cars and SUVs.
  • Multiple parenting awards for its clever and original design.

Best Rear Facing Car Seat For Small Car FAQs

Can I fit a rear facing car seat in a compact car?

Yes, you can fit a rear facing car seat in a compact car. However, it is important to ensure that the car seat is installed properly and securely. Compact cars come in different sizes, so it is important to choose a car seat that fits your car properly. Before purchasing a car seat, it is recommended to measure your car's back seat to ensure that the car seat will fit properly. Also, consider the size of the car seat itself, as some car seats are bulkier than others. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and to use the appropriate seat belt or latch system to secure the car seat. Additionally, it is recommended to have the car seat checked by a certified technician to ensure that it is properly installed and safe for your child.

How do I properly install a rear facing car seat in a small car?

Proper installation of a rear facing car seat in a small car is essential for your baby's safety. The first step is to read the car seat manual and your car manual thoroughly. This will help you understand the specific installation requirements for your car seat and your car.

Next, you need to choose the appropriate location for the car seat. In a small car, the middle of the back seat is the safest spot for the car seat. This ensures that your baby is protected from side impacts.

After choosing the location, you need to install the car seat using either the LATCH system or the seat belt. The LATCH system is a set of anchors and tethers that attach the car seat directly to the car's chassis. The seat belt method involves threading the seat belt through the car seat and locking it in place.

Once you have installed the car seat, it's important to check that it's secure. Make sure the car seat doesn't move more than an inch in any direction. Also, ensure that the harness is snugly secured around your baby.

Lastly, perform a final check to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly. This includes checking the angle of the car seat, the tightness of the harness, and the position of the car seat in your car.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your baby's car seat is installed correctly and safely in your small car.

What are the best rear facing car seats for small cars?

When it comes to choosing the best rear-facing car seat for small cars, there are a few factors that need to be considered. The first and most important factor is the size of the car seat. It should be compact and lightweight, so that it fits comfortably in the back seat of a small car. Some of the most popular rear-facing car seats for small cars include the Graco Extend2Fit, Chicco KeyFit 30, and the Britax Boulevard ClickTight.

Another important factor to consider is the safety features of the car seat. Look for a car seat that has a five-point harness system, side-impact protection, and is easy to install. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provides a list of recommended car seats based on their safety ratings.

Lastly, consider the price and overall value of the car seat. While you don't want to skimp on quality and safety, you also don't want to overspend. Look for a car seat that fits within your budget and offers the best features for the price. By considering these factors, you can find the best rear-facing car seat for your small car that will keep your child safe and comfortable on the road.

What are the safety benefits of using a rear facing car seat in a small car?

Rear facing car seats are considered safer for small children in cars. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in rear-facing car seats until they reach the age of two or until they reach the weight or height limit of the car seat. These seats are designed to protect infants and toddlers from the impact of a crash by distributing the force of the collision across the back of the car seat.

In a small car, a rear-facing car seat provides additional safety benefits because it reduces the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The compact size of a small car increases the likelihood of a child being closer to the point of impact in a crash. A rear-facing car seat reduces the distance between the child's head and the back of the car seat, which minimizes the risk of injury to the head, neck, and spine.

Overall, using a rear-facing car seat in a small car is an essential safety measure that can protect young children from serious injuries in the event of a car crash. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing and using the car seat correctly to ensure maximum protection for your child.

What are the weight and height limits for rear facing car seats in small cars?

The weight and height limits for rear-facing car seats in small cars can vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the car seat. However, as a general guideline, most rear-facing car seats are designed to accommodate infants and toddlers up to 40 pounds and 40 inches tall. It is important to note that the weight limit is usually more important than the height limit as it is crucial that a child's weight is properly supported by the car seat. Additionally, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by both the car seat manufacturer and the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and securely. Parents should also periodically check the car seat to ensure that it continues to meet the weight and height requirements as their child grows. It is recommended that children remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer, which is typically around age two.

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