When can I turn baby to front facing in the car??

Question

When can I change my 11 month old to front facing is it by age or by weight??? If it is by weight what is the weight? If it is by age what is the age?

Thanks

Answer 1

They have to be one year AND 20 pounds.  We left my son rear facing until he was almost 2.  It's much, much safer.

In Sweden where it's common for children to ride rear facing up to the age of 5, their mortality rate of children properly restrained in automobile accidents is very, very low.

My parents used to always give me a hard time about leaving our son rear-facing past 1 year because "he wanted to be forward facing, and he wants to be able to look out the window."  He didn't know any different than rear facing, and he was able to look out the rear window.  Yes, his legs were a little scrunched, but he didn't know any different than that either, and he didn't mind.

Do what you feel is best, so long as you abide by the law.

Answer 2

Your baby has to be  1 years old or weighs 20lbs

Answer 3

Check with your STATE government, as car seat laws are regulated by state government. Where I live it is 1 year and 20lbs. When I had the fire department install my carseat, they recommended you leave your child rear facing as long as physically possible, as it is the safest position for your child's safety. Good luck!

Answer 4

It's by age 1 AND at least 20 lbs.  Some of the newer seats will let the baby ride backwards longer because it is safer to rear face.  But if your baby's legs are too long you'll have to make the switch forward.

Answer 5

you can turn you baby at 1 year and 20 pounds

Answer 6

im pretty sure its 20 lbs but if your babys is a bigger baby and it feels safe to you i would i knew when my daughter need to be turned i made the decision when i felt comfortable..good luck

Answer 7

it goes by age AND WEIGHT- they have to be at least 20 pounds AND one year. but don't be in such a rush. it's best no matter how strong the baby to be rear facing as long as possible

http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/StayRea...

http://www.thecarseatlady.com/car_seats/...

forward facing puts the child at risk for internal decapitation or other serious spinal injuries

my son is 17 months old and is still rear facing

Answer 8

In most states, your child must be 1 year old AND at least 20 pounds.  Here is a site that summarizes a number of safety and legal issues related to infant and toddler carseats.

Answer 9

It is both. My daughters cousin is 16 months and only 18 pounds and the doctor told her that she cant be turned yet. They have to be at least one and 20 pounds.

Answer 10

usually by year, one year or by weight near 25 lbs

Answer 11

The minimum is 22lbs AND a year old.

But in all honesty, it's safest to keep him rear facing for as long as possible (most convertible seats have a rear facing weight limit of 35lbs).  In the event of an accident, the force pulling your baby forward can literally detach his head from his spine causing internal decapitation.  It's even safer for adults to ride rear facing.

Watch this video for a more in-depth description (and it'll address any concerns of baby's legs possibly breaking because they're too long to be rear facing).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DVfqFhs...

Answer 12

they have to be 1 year AND 20 pounds to get to turn there car seat around to the front facing.