rear-facing car seat

Katie - posted on 04/20/2010

I would tell you to trust your instincts as a mother. Some states in '01 had forward facing at 9 mos if child was over 29" and 20 pounds i'm not 100% on height it may have been around 27.But my daughter was 24.13 lbs and 2'4" at 7mos shes 9 mos now i'm not sure of hr weight though my scale is broken, she is still rear facing what changed my mind about turning her around was someone asked if i'd rather she break her legs or crush her chest...

Vicki - posted on 04/20/2010

Tammy in Australia 6 months is the earliest legal age. It's also recommended to wait until 10kg. I'm going to keep him rear facing until his head is getting too close to the top of the seat. It doesn't matter about his legs hitting the seat. It's still safer than forward facing.

I've seen a seatbelt injury on a large grown up man, that kind of impact on a child (even with a 5 point harness) would be huge in a front on collision.

Heidi - posted on 04/20/2010

We were able to get our Britax Marathons for $175 each - on sale. Big sale. I know people roll their eyes at the high price of Marathons, but they really are a wonderful seat. Both my girls love theirs. And both are rear facing still: 9 months 3 weeks, and 2 years 9 months.

And while extended rear facing has been more of a 'mom's movement' over the past few years, it is now also being endorsed by the APA (American Pediatric Association). Please think about the safety of your babies before turning them to face the front. It really is safer to be rear facing.

Misty - posted on 04/20/2010

My daughter is 9 months old and I just faced the same issue, She is a big baby. I suggest one of the convertible car seats and it is best to leave them rear facing as long as you can. I am going to try to leave her rear facing until 2. It is much safer. First Years, Britax, Evenflo & many others have some nice ones. I did alot of comparison shopping & I am going to buy the First Years True Fit Covertible Car seat. The Safety First Alpha Omega Elite was my 2nd choice. Hope this helps.

Lanette - posted on 04/20/2010

According to my pediatrician, she wants babies to stay rear facing until they are one year old. There is a fantastic car seat by Safety 1st called the Alpha Omega Elite that will keep them rear facing up to 30 lbs, front facing in the harness up to 50 or 65 then it's a high back booster up to 100! It costs about $160, but it's the last car seat you'll ever have to buy! I have a big girl too (9 months, 21lbs 14.5oz, 28inches) so this car seat is PERFECT!

Megan - posted on 04/20/2010

she's already out of the infant seat and in a convertible seat, but she's still kicking the seat. Thanks for all your help!

Tammy - posted on 04/20/2010

Oh wow, the laws are so different where I live. In Australia, you use a forward facing car seat from the age of 6 months!

Tracy - posted on 04/19/2010

I have the same problem!! He is out of the infant car seat now and I put him in a convertible seat about a month ago. It is more comfortable for him however it is harder for me to reach him. However i want him to be safe so I haven't turned him around yet!

Heidi - posted on 04/19/2010

New guidlelines recommend staying rear facing until 2 years of age. Get her out of the infant seat and into a rear facing convertible seat, she'll be more comfortable.

Janet - posted on 04/19/2010

I know here in Ontario, Canada it's 20lbs and highly suggested one year...my little one is 9mo and weighs almost 23 lbs and 29inch long....we'll probably flip her a little earlier than one year if she keeps growing, but the longer u wait the better it is for them!!