When can you face the carseat forward?

Karen - posted on 03/13/2010

Again it's 20lbs AND 1 year! Key word, AND!

Emily - posted on 03/13/2010

You are supposed to wait till they weigh 20lbs or are a year old. But my son was 10lbs at birth so needless to say we have had him facing forward for a good while.

Karen - posted on 03/13/2010

Just thought I'd repost this since I still see this coming up...

I see everyone talking about scrunched legs...it is really ok. Having their legs touch the back of the seat is not going to kill them, having a broken neck will. My oldest is going to be 4 in April and her legs are just fine rear facing. It really isn't ok to turn a 9 month old foward facing. It is against the law and very dangerous. I understand it's the parents decision (well actually if you don't follow the 20lb AND 1 year rule -in most states-, you ARE breaking the law), but please research before you put your children in danger so at least you know what could possibly happen if you are in a terrible accident. I know it's too late now since almost all these babies are already one, but think about it for your next child.

Courtney - posted on 03/12/2010

my son was put in a forward facing seat once he was able to hold himself right, and was too long to be in the rearward facing seat as he legs would push against the back seat. he would have been about 8 months when we did this. but its when you feel its right to turn them around as well as to the requirements which really are mainly a guide and not exact.

Shanna - posted on 03/08/2010

In MN it is 20# AND 1 yr. But check your carseat because some of them require them to be 22# AND 1yr. Mine says 1yr and 22#. Longer the better but your personal choice . just make sure you check your carseat. Follow carseat manufacturer book and your state laws! We have went to see some carseat specialists and it is ok for you to have long children and they can cross there legs if needed rear facing! I have long children. Safe or confort you think????? Remember kids are more flexible!





Ok moms lets see i seen some moms say their kids throw a fit or they LOOK uncompfortable or bla bla bla. hmmm do you give in to your kids that easily when they want something too?? just cerious!

Amy - posted on 03/03/2010

I was informed that you can when they reach both milestones, being 1 and being at least 20 pounds; however i was also told that it is safer to have them facing backwards as long as they can, someone told me when i was looking for a conversion carseat that the big wigs are trying to pass it so that they have to face backwards until they are two. At the present time i still have my child facing backwards in her carseat, she is 13 months and is still comfortable (not squished) when facing backwards.

Yinni - posted on 03/02/2010

my son was forward facing when he was 9 months. he was already over 20 lbs then and had great neck and head control. i would have tried to keep him rear facing longer but he would constantly throw up in that position. as soon as it was turned, he was fine and enjoyed the new view.

Kristen - posted on 03/02/2010

The law is one year old AND 20 pounds to be forward facing.

CJ - posted on 03/02/2010

My child's pediatrician told us that she had to be no less than 20lbs and 1 yr of age to turn her seat around. My daughter hit the 20lb mark around 8 months of age, but we had to wait until she turned a year, because they are supposed to have enough neck and head control at a year. Alot of things I've read have said it's even better if you wait until they are the max weight that it says on your carseat for facing back before turning them around, but as my daughter is also fairly tall we turned her forward the day she turned a year, as she was quite uncomfortable with her legs against the back of the seat.

Michele - posted on 03/02/2010

my daughter just turned 1 and still weighs 16#/27in so she will be rear facing for awhile! I have heard that they are considering changing the laws to rear-facing until 2 years...I guess I don't see the big deal in turning them around?!?!? I would much rather her be as safe as possible God forbid we ever get into an injury accident. With that said I do think if your baby is 20+# it is considered safe to flip them around!

Stacey - posted on 03/02/2010

I turned my sons car seat around when he was 20lbs, but he was only 11 mnths

Heather - posted on 03/01/2010

I turned Riley around at 11months. I only did this because he pitched a fit everythime I put him in the car.

April - posted on 03/01/2010

When the baby was born we hired a carseat specialist (Safety in Motion) who trains the police and other agencies on best practices. They told us that the latest research says that you should keep the baby rear-facing as long as possible and wait until at least 18 months before making it forward facing. They explained that the infant neck is still too weak at a year and makes the impact of an accident more dangerous. Hope this helps!

Mandy - posted on 03/01/2010

I literally just came from my son's 1 year check up and asked the doctor about this. He said its more about them walker and their neck muscles. They worry if the child isn't walking and stronger head muscles that they would be tossed too much forward facing. Generally if they are walking their neck muscles are strong enough.

Melissa - posted on 02/28/2010

I would keep them as long as possible in the rear facing position, since it's safer. If the child gets uncomfortable in this position and is over the 20lb mark then maybe that's a good time to change. But if they still fit comfortably and are content with that position then why not continue.

When I asked my pediatrician and he suggested to read the carseat manual and see what is suggested for that particular carseat.

Amelia - posted on 02/28/2010

In NZ here they recommend 12 kg or 12 months. Or when they out grow their seat. But it also depends on your car seats ability to carry that weight when in rear facing position if it is a convertible. Read it's instruction manual or look up on the web. Studies done in Sweden show the longer the child faces the rear the safer they are when it comes to crash testing. That includes well up to five years old if the car seat is constructed to carry that weight and height.

Micha - posted on 02/27/2010

Layla's just over a year old and 22 lbs and will be RF until 40 lbs. The law is 1 year AND 20 lbs, but it's best to keep them RFing for as long as possible.

Heather - posted on 02/26/2010

Federal law requires that the child is 1 and 20 pounds under either or or both and they must be rear facing

Adisalem - posted on 02/26/2010

My daughter is 19 pounds and 31 inches. She just turned one years old on February 18. My pediatrician said that I can go ahead and turn her car seat forward. She loves facing forward now and seeing the world around her!

Melanie - posted on 02/26/2010

Keeping your baby rear facing to the max of their convertible seat is the safest thing to do. Please go read this journal:
http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/145...

My 2, almost 3 year old is still rear facing, as is my just turned 1 year old. It's 500 times safer (literally, that IS the number, not just an exaggeration) than forward facing, and the longer you do it, the safer your child will be.

Viktoria - posted on 02/26/2010

you guys all gave great answers:-)
My son outgrow his car seat months ago, just turned one on the 19th. I got him a convertable seat because I still want to keep him rear facing. I`ve heard that`s the safest. So we`re keeping him that way as long as it works for all of us.
Have a great weekend!

Jamie - posted on 02/26/2010

My son turned a yr old on the 19th and we have turned him face forward. She is old enough and its safe. My son loves facing forward bc he can see us and we can see him much better.

Nichole - posted on 02/26/2010

My daughter is already 1 however she will be rear facing as long as possible. Check out youtube videos of rear facing vs forward facing crash tests and you may change your mind about switching your child's seat to forward facing too!

Melissa - posted on 02/26/2010

My daughter outgrew her infant rear facing car seat before she turned 1. By the car seat law it is said that the child must be at least 20lbs and a 1 year old before facing forward but I faced her forward before the required time, and she was way happier to see daddy drive.

Lindsey - posted on 02/25/2010

Hi I know here in canada it's 1 yr and 22lbs, but i have also been told its best to keep them rear facing as long as possable. My daughter was 1 on the 18th but only weighs 16.6 lbs but 28inches long so she is going in a bigger rear facing seat that converts to all 3 seats rear, forward and booster, as she has out grown her baby seat length wise but not weight wise. i have a friend that has a 2 1/2yr old and just switcher her to a forward facing seat as she was tiny as well and didn't hit the 22lbs mark till then.

Jennifer - posted on 02/25/2010

I did a lot of research on the internet about when it is safe to let them go from rearfacing to front facing. From what I understand children are 5 TIMES more likely to DIE in a collision if they are frontfacing than rearfacing if they are under 2 years of age. Their necks still aren't strong enough to withstand a crash. They are much more supported in the rearfacing position. I had previously heard that one year and 20 lbs was safe. Those are old guidlines from the 1980's. I was so excited to be able to turn Abby around but when I researched it I decided it was best to leave her rearfacing as long as possible. Hope this helps!!!! :o)

Shannon - posted on 02/25/2010

hi everyone, in australia i think its 8-9kg yiou can change you child from rear facign to forward facing, we changed oru daughter to forward facing when she got too long for rear facing, and it got too much bending and really harsh on our backs getting her out of the car, she would have been around 6 months old i think, but she was extremely strong and she had been crawling since 4 1/2 months old, and the car trips were unbearable with her rear facing as soon as we turned it around she had no problem travelling, and we just had the seat fully reclined like stephaine ryan above ^^

Stephanie - posted on 02/25/2010

i've just been reading all your posts about this. my son is just over 12 months but has been in a forward facing seat since he was about 6 and a half mths, but fully reclined. we don't have any laws about this in Ireland, only the guidelines that come with each babyseat. obviously they have to be in a rear facing seat from birth. the seat he has does both and can be reclined or upright.

Karen - posted on 02/24/2010

I see everyone talking about scrunched legs...it is really ok. Having their legs touch the back of the seat is not going to kill them, having a broken neck will. My oldest is going to be 4 in April and her legs are just fine rear facing. It really isn't ok to turn a 9 month old foward facing. It is against the law and very dangerous. I understand it's the parents decision, but please research before you put your children in danger so at least you know what could possibly happen if you are in a terrible accident. I know it's too late now since almost all these babies are already one, but think about it for your next child.

Andrea - posted on 02/24/2010

In minnesota, they have to be 1yr old and 20 lbs to be forward facing. I know they say that rear facing for as long as possible, but my little ones legs were too scrunched. She is so much happier now that she can dangle her legs and see out the front window!

Lisa - posted on 02/24/2010

I want to wait to turn my son around until he is two but he is all scrunched up in his car seat! I think it is about time to turn him around since he is 20 lbs, doctor said he is a lot taller then most babies so I worry about his poor legs when we go on trips.

Kate - posted on 02/24/2010

My dad works with someone who was in a car accident a few weeks ago...mom came out fine, but her 2 year old was killed. Apparently the impact broke his neck even though he was safely strapped in a carseat and nothing struck him. So keep your kiddos rear-facing at least till they're a year and 20+ pounds. They ARE SO VULNERABLE!

Jessika - posted on 02/24/2010

Your baby has to be 1 AND over 22 pounds according to laws in Canada.

Terra - posted on 02/24/2010

The new recommendation, NOT law is until 24 months, the laws state 20bs and 1 year. It has a lot to do with body control, does your child walk? I was going to keep my child turned backwards for a longer time but even in the convertible car seat her legs got too long and are bent and pushing against the seat so we turned her she is 54 weeks so I am not concerned.

Randee - posted on 02/24/2010

ive always heard 20 lbs but my daughter is 19 lbs and I have had her in one since christmas. I found a front facing carseat 15lbs to 100lbs its awesome with multiple adjustments for the shoulder and legs

Shawna - posted on 02/24/2010

My doc just told us that they prefer you to keep them in a rear facing carseat for as long as possible. She personally recommends not moving to a front facing seat until age 2.

She also said that they actually make rear facing carseats now that are rated up to 100 lbs! I mentioned that a child of 100 lbs. might be a little too big to be in a rear facing carseat, simply due to leg length, and she agreed, but said that this was now the recommendation because results show that it offers more protection for the child's head in the event of an accident.

It's ultimately your own decision as there is no law that forces you to keep a child over 20 lbs in a rear facing seat. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you and your child.

SUBRINA - posted on 02/24/2010

hi its usually in the instructions for a certain type of car seat, i bought josh a new forward facing car seat at 9months and he took to it very well hes alot happier he can now see everything and not just the back if the seat lol best of luck

Jennifer - posted on 02/24/2010

My son just turned one and 28 pounds. We were so excited for the front facing car seat for him...and he wanted NOTHING to do with it. He can't sleep in the front facing car seat and that is his favorite thing to do! So its up to you as long as the law says its okay.

Jennifer - posted on 02/24/2010

as soon as our son hit 20lbs he was in a front facing car seat..his legs were hitting the back of the seat when in his infant car seat and was extremely uncomfortable..he now loves facing forward and seeing everything from a new view..my dr said wait till 11 months but my gut told me to do it sooner..and hes never been happier!! my son was also born feb 20th!! happy 1st birthday to your lil girl!!

Karen - posted on 02/23/2010

1 year AND 20 lbs. It is much, much safer to keep them rear facing as long as possible though. You can get a convertable that will keep them safely rear facing until 30-45lbs! I have 3 kids all rear facing. My oldest will be 4 in April (30lbs) and she is still happy rear facing. I won't turn her until she outgrows her seat which isn't until 40lbs or if she gets too tall. They cross their legs, hang them over the sides, put them straight up on the back seat. I don't need to see them, since I obviously shouldn't be turning around while I am driving so that is no issue. They can still talk to me. It is more work sometimes to strap them in when they are facing that way but to me their safety is much more important than my convenience.

Rachel - posted on 02/23/2010

You aren't supposed to turn them until they are both 20 pounds or more and 1 year. HOWEVER, i turned my guy at 9.5 months. He was about 22-23 pounds then and over the height limit too. It just made more since for us as i have a two door car :)

Cassandra - posted on 02/23/2010

the law is 12 months and at least 20 pounds. Although I've read some suggest waiting till 30 pounds.

Amanda - posted on 02/23/2010

Hiya - I beleive it is 20lb - I put my daughter who also turned 1 on the 20th when she hit the 20lb mark - Hope that this helps. I also hope that your daughter had a brilliant 1st birthday x

Jj - posted on 02/23/2010

My doctors office says its ok to turn your child forward facing at 17 pounds, but my carseat says they must be at least 22 pounds before they can be forward facing. Just depends on your baby and their personal needs and wants.

Corena - posted on 02/22/2010

The laws are different from state to state and from province to province. Check with motor vehicles where you live.
Most of the people here are right...rear as long as possible is better.
If you are worried about being able to see them, buy a mirror. There are many models designed for that.
If their legs are a bit scrunched before their weight is appropriate...better scrunched up legs than a broken neck.
Backwards is always safer.

Tanya - posted on 02/22/2010

As soon as baby's feet are touching the back of the cars interior from baby's rear facing seat, then it's time to buy the front facing baby car seat. The one that is rear facing is for only a short time according to baby's weight and length. Check with the Ministry of Transportation's car seat guide. http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/...

Chris - posted on 02/22/2010

It is the law in BC that all children who are up to one year of age AND up to 9 kg (20 lb.) use a rear-facing car seat. They may remain rear-facing until they reach the child seat’s weight limit for the rear-facing position. Rear-facing car seats support and protect the head and spine in the event of a crash. As my boys approach the one year mark, we are getting two new rear-facing seats with a weight limit of 40lbs - I hope they don't weigh that for a long long time. Rear-facing is safer.

Melanie - posted on 02/21/2010

Keep them rear-facing as long as possible! Check out this video:

Vicky - posted on 02/21/2010

Hi my son turned one on the 21st of feb and we were told by plunket 12 months but have decided to keep him rear facing for now.

Amanda - posted on 02/21/2010

my son just turned 1 feb 14 and weighs 25 lbs but is really active, my son got a little too heavy to be carried in his first carseat and would fuss in the car if he couldnt see us around 9 months old (Nov). we rigged the carseat to face forward even though it wasnt meant for that for about a month until my aunt gave us her grandson 2nd forward facing carseat because he switched to a booster seat. my sons was a little small for it at first but he sprouted upwards and been in it since december. the only time he fusses now is when he falls asleep in it and he have to get him out.