Tallest Extended Rear-Facing Carseat? Try the Graco Size4Me 70!

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My review of the Graco Size4Me 70 will be coming in the next few weeks.  Suffice to say that I really like it overall and it may well be added as one of our recommended carseats in the next update.  One of the few drawbacks of the Size4Me 70 was the 40″ stated rear-facing height limit, reducing the rear-facing potential of this very tall seat.

I am happy to say that effective immediately, this restriction is no longer in place and is retroactive to all Size4Me 70 seats already sold!  The new height limit is that the top of the child’s head must be at least 1” (2.54 cm) below the bottom of the red head support actuator when using the seat rear facing.  The head support may be placed in any of the adjustment positions provided that the shoulder harness is positioned at or below the child’s shoulders!

This change will make the Size4Me one of the very best models to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible all the way up to the 40 pound rear-facing weight limit!

My Size 70 Rear Facing Questions FINAL

Size4Me 70 Rear Facing Questions FINAL

What are the rear facing limits for the Size4Me™ 70 Seat?

Based on continuing child fit studies, Graco is changing the rear facing height limit for the Size4Me™ 70 car seat.  The rear facing weight limit will remain unchanged at 40lb.  We are updating the height restriction to eliminate the 40” upper limit.  The new rear facing limits will be:

  • The Size4Me™ 70 CRS is certified for use rear facing with children up to 40lbs. (18Kg).  Some children approaching 40lbs. may be too tall to fit rear facing.  It is important that the top of the child’s head must be at least 1” (2.54 cm) below the bottom of the red head support actuator when using the seat rear facing.  The head support may be placed in any of the adjustment positions provided that the shoulder harness is positioned at or below the child’s shoulders and there is no interference with the front vehicle seats.

These new limits were established to support allow the longest rear facing usage aligned with the new American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines (In April 2011 – the AAP advised parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for the seat) while also allowing for proper vehicle fit and to avoid interactions between the adjustable head support and front vehicle seats.  The new limits take into account the significant variation in vehicle rear seats as well as differences that exist in seated child height versus standing height.    

This change is retroactive for all Size4Me™ 70 seats.

What head support positions are allowed in rear facing mode?

There are no restrictions on the head support for rear facing mode.  All positions may be utilized.  Based on our fit studies and the height and weight limits, most children will outgrow the rear facing mode by height and weight in head support positions 4-6.  Since the head support also controls the harness positions, it is important to adjust the head support so that the harness position is at or just below the child’s shoulders in rear facing mode.

Does the 1” rule for the top of the child’s head in rear facing mode apply to the Size4Me 70?

Due to the design of the Size4Me™ 70, the traditional 1” rule does not apply.  This rule was modified to measure the 1” distance from the bottom of the red head support actuator rather than the top of the seat shell.  The top of the child’s head must be 1” below the bottom of the red head support actuator when used rear facing.

Can the Head Support contact the back of the vehicle seat in rear facing mode?

It is OK for the back of the Size4Me™ head support to touch the back of the vehicle seat when installed rear facing providing the following:

1)      The contact does not interfere with the proper installation of the CRS

2)      There is no interference that would create pressure or force on the car seat from the back of the front vehicle seat that would cause the car seat to move or change recline angle.

3)      The car seat can be properly leveled and attached to the vehicle seat. 

4)      The child’s shoulders are appropriately positioned at or below the harness position set by the head support.

 

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