Crash indication system for a reclining ride down child seat

More specifically, the crash indication system for a child safety seat includes a seat bottom (12). A base (14) is provided for supporting the seat bottom, which is slidably connected to the bases so that the seat body (10) is movable relative to the base (14), between a resting position and a ride down position, a position due to a change in environmental forces. The seat body (10) is adjustably affixed to a carriage (48) to set a recline position. An indicator member (46) is attached to the carriage and moves therewith to visually track and monitor the movement of the seat. When ride down of the seat occurs due to a change in forces to the seat, the indicator member moves with the sliding carriage to reflect a ride down position of the seat bottom. A ratchet connection is provided to prevent the carriage from going back to its resting position.