Infant Seat (Rear-Facing)
An infant seat is the rear-facing seat designed for babies and very young children. Facing backwards is the key feature: in a frontal crash it cradles the head, neck and spine far better than a forward-facing seat, which is why it is the recommended choice for the youngest passengers.
It is the first stage of child seating, used from birth up to the weight or height limit printed on the seat. Children should stay rear-facing for as long as they fit, since the safety advantage is real and lasts well beyond the newborn months.
Rental companies list it among their child-seat options, so you book it by your child’s age and size when you reserve the car. Confirm whether it installs with the seat belt or Isofix in the specific car you are renting.
A critical detail: never place a rear-facing infant seat in a front seat that has an active airbag. Reserve it for the back, fit it firmly, and check the harness sits snugly before every trip.
Related terms
Child Seat
A seat that secures a child safely in the car, available as a rental add-on and legally needed for young children.
Booster Seat
A cushion that raises an older child so the adult seat belt fits correctly across them.
Isofix
A standardised anchor system that clicks a child seat directly to the car, reducing fitting mistakes.