At what age do you put a baby in a carseat facing the front of the car???

Question

At what age do you put a baby in a carseat facing the front of the car???

Answer 1

It has nothing to do with age, but with height and weight.  When the child no longer fits properly in the rear facing newborn seat, he graduates to the larger front facing child seat.

Answer 2

The absolute bare minimum allowed by law is 1 year AND 20lbs, but some seats have a minimum of 22lbs AND 34 inches, so you need to check the manual that came with the convertible carseat.

The recommendation from safety experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics is to rearface (RF) to the limits of the seat which is 30-35lbs on all seats sold in the US. My own daughter rode RF until she was 2 years, 9 months and she got very close to the 33 lb weight limit on her Britax Marathons.  I turned her back RF at 3 years because she lost some weight.  She complained the whole time she was FF about having nowhere to put her feet.  She loves RF.  

I have included several links with great pictures and videos of what happens to children’s necks when they are FF in a crash.

Most people are concerned about their child's legs being scrunched or broken in a crash. There is absolutely no evidence that shows a child's legs are in danger and I would much rather deal with a broken leg, than a broken neck.

Answer 3

When the child no longer needs the car seat and fits, safely in a booster seat.

Answer 4

It really depends on the child seat. The manufacturer would normally give guidelines for using the seat in different positions depending on weight and size of child.

Answer 5

Like someone else pointed out, the minimum is one year and 22 pounds.  BUT, research supports being rear-facing as long as possible.  Many car seat manufactuers are realizing this and creating newer rear facing seats that will accomodate larger babies.  Don't be in such a quick rush to turn your baby forward facing.  It's just not safe if he/she still does not meet the minimum standards.  A small baby is unable to brace themselves in the event of a crash.  Rear facing is always the best, and safest.  Also do your own research.  There are numerous web sites, message/consumer boards, and government information regarding safety.  As a parent, you want to do everything possible to ensure the safety of your child.  

All the best to you and your baby!

Answer 6

Try this site, it is very helpful...............................

http://www.childseatcenter.com/article10...