Is Your Baby’s Car Seat Reclined Correctly? Why It Matters More Than You Think

Introduction:

Let’s be honest- when you’re sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and just trying to keep your tiny human alive, adjusting the angle of a car seat probably isn’t high on your list.

But this one little detail? It can make a huge difference to your baby’s safety.

In this post, I'll walk you through something that’s often overlooked: recline angles for rear-facing car seats. We’ll cover why it’s so important, how to check it (without any fancy tools), and what to do if yours isn’t quite right.

Why Recline Matters:

There are two major reasons why getting the recline angle right is critical:

1️⃣ It Helps Your Baby Breathe Safely

Newborns have heavy heads and underdeveloped neck muscles. If the seat is too upright, their head can flop forward into a chin-to-chest position, especially while sleeping or if they have low muscle tone.

👉 Try dropping your chin to your chest right now. Feels harder to breathe, doesn’t it?

That same position can partially block a baby’s airway, which is incredibly dangerous. A properly reclined seat keeps their head supported and airway open.

2️⃣ It Protects Them in a Crash

If a baby is too upright in a crash, their head is thrown forward more. Too flat, and their body may slide upward, which could cause spinal stress or shoulder compression...and if the harness isn’t tight, they might even slip out of the seat entirely.

A proper recline ensures they’re cradled safely by the seat and harness in any impact.

How to Check Your Recline:

Now that you know why it matters, let’s look at how to check it.

✅ Step 1: Park on a Flat Surface

Your car should be parked on level ground. A hill or sloped driveway can throw off the angle reading.

✅ Step 2: Check the Manual

Every restraint is different. Look for a QR code on your seat or search the model name online if you’ve misplaced the manual. The correct angle and where to measure from vary by brand and model.

Here are the 3 most common ways manufacturers ask you to check recline:

📏 Method 1: Built-In Bubble Indicator

This is the easiest! If your seat has one, just ensure the bubble sits inside the safe zone. That’s it.

📏 Method 2: Backrest Angle

Many restraints require you to check the angle where your baby’s back would rest. In the video above I used the recline recommendations of the Maxi Cosi Pria, which was between 33° and 50°.

To check:

• Remove inserts or padding.
• Open the “Measure” app on your phone.
• Place the phone flat against the backrest between the harness straps.
• Compare the reading to the range in your manual.

📏 Method 3: Base Angle

Some seats ask you to measure the angle of the base, not the backrest. For example, in the video above, we looked at the Britax Millenia, which recommends an angle between 10–15°.

In that case, align your phone with the base of the seat, not the part your baby rests on.

What If The Angle's Not Right?

Here’s where it gets tricky...you can’t adjust the recline setting when rear-facing in Australia. The seat only has one recline position.

That means the final angle is determined by the shape and slope of your vehicle’s back seat.

If your seats are steep (like in older Fords or utes), they can tip the restraint too upright. So what can you do?

👉 Use a Towel...but only if allowed!!

Some restraint brands allow you to use a rolled towel under the base to adjust the angle gently.

But not all brands allow this, so always check your manual first.

The Seat Must Suit Your Car

This is exactly why it’s important to try the restraint in your car before buying. Not every car seat fits every vehicle properly, and recline angle is one of many reasons why.

Still Unsure? Get a Professional Check

If you’re not confident, or just want peace of mind, visit a local service like Kidsafe. They can check that everything is installed safely, legally, and correctly.

Final Thoughts:

A properly reclined car seat isn’t just about comfort, it’s about breathing and optimising crash protection.

Follow the steps above and check the recline in your restraint today.

PS- I also want to add that another common reason for the restraint angle to be way off is because you have your seat in the "forward facing mode" while rear-facing! So if you aren't hitting the angles your manufacturer recommends, check this too!