[soccermom]

They may not require them to be in the back seat -- but that is what is recommended. Also, I think every state does require the seat to be rear-facing when they are infants. (The cutoff date for my baby's care seat was 1 year and 20 pounds.)

[justche]

I think you're right. At least where my daughter was born (Salem, OR) someone from the hospital staff goes out to make sure it's rear facing and installed or they won't check you oug.

[spectre]

"Also, I think every state does require the seat to be rear-facing when they are infants. (The cutoff date for my baby's care seat was 1 year and 20 pounds.)"

Bingo! These car seats are very big and bulky and depending on the make of the car, it might be very difficult to just simply "glance" back there and actually see if a child is indeed in the car seat. (The big seat could have appeared empty because it was facing the rear window)..

Obviously, that is just what happened..because she didn't even notice the baby was in the car seat when she went back to pick her baby up...

A terrible tragedy...for all.

sw