forward facing carseats

Stephanie - posted on 05/24/2010

definitely leaving my one year old facing backward as long as possible, i have a Britax Roundabout car seat that is rated for rear facing for a long time... even if her legs are folded up! i would rather have a baby with a broken leg than a broken neck!!!! there is no way I would have turned her around just because she was 'more comfortable' with her legs hanging free... just watching her nap with her head hanging forward tells me how fragile/floppy her neck still is even though she has held her head up from day 2!
I agree with Cheresa- forget comfort/convenience (or how they used to not have carseats- um, WHY do you think they made them???) and leave them rear facing as long as they fit the weight requirements- and then go with a bigger seat if necessary!

Rebekah - posted on 05/22/2010

Just to add to your discussion Meaghan and Amelia, my son was rear-facing until he was over 2 yrs and at least 35in. He's a short little guy, but his feet touched for a long time before he outgrew his seat by weight. I was told the feet touching did not matter at all.

Meaghan - posted on 05/22/2010

Evenflo Triumph Advance LX, it's a really nice car seat he loves it and he's never complained about his legs like that it was more my fear. I only have a few more lbs till the car seat says to front face (it goes to 35 he's at least 30) so I think I'll just wait until the last possible moment to flip him around. Thank you again, seriously, I never really thought about it like that.(I'm a first time Mom, I second guess myself constantly haha)

Amelia - posted on 05/22/2010

Yep, no problem, glad I could help! By the way, what carseat do you have? Some have more leg-room than others.

Meaghan - posted on 05/22/2010

It was more because of how he looked his legs couldn't straighten out at all because long he is (like I said 32 inches 2 months ago lol), although you are right I totally should look into if that is a safe way to have him because I'd absolutely rather him rear facing as long as possible. I thought because my son is larger I'd have to switch him around sooner. Thanks for the info!

Amelia - posted on 05/22/2010

Meaghan, good for you for knowing the law and waiting until 1 year to forward face! But who told you that he wasn't safe rearfacing because his feet touched? Feet touching the seatback is just fine. Read this, it explains why http://carseatqueen.com/rf.aspx

Meaghan - posted on 05/22/2010

I just turned my son around at his one year mark. As for the Mom's turning their children around at 6month or before a year and saying their children were uncomfortable. I am calling Bull. My son was 20lbs and 28 inches at his 5 month appointment. He was 32inches and 28 lbs at 10 months, and I still didn't turn him around, get a different car seat if he is cramped. We got a really nice one for 100$ on sale at babies R Us and he has never been cramped and up until this past month his feet barely touched the seat, so stop acting so self righteous cause my son was probably bigger then your children are (he's consistently in the 95 percentile) and he didn't have any problems. I've only now turned him around because his feet push against the seat and it isn't safe for him to be rear facing (his knees bend from the seat). Keep them rear-facing and stop cutting corners because it's easier on you. He'd still be rear facing if he wasn't a large child.

Sarah - posted on 05/22/2010

My daughter is 4ward facing now. She is 1yr and 27lbs so she meets requirements and I feel better being able to see her.

Evelia - posted on 05/22/2010

Legally ur bby must b rearfacing until he/she reaches 1yrAND20lbs. NOT or. My son just turned one the 21st and i will keep him rearfacing for as long as possible (his carseat holds up to 40lbs rearfacing) that is my goal.

Amelia - posted on 05/21/2010

Make sure you check the limits of the seat too. The law says 20lb, but most seats have a minimum weight of 22lb for forward facing. Also, at this age, their weight varies so much week to week. They can be 21lb one day, and 19lb a few weeks later from being so active.

They can actually see MORE rearfacing! They can look out the back and side windows instead of staring at the front seats. You can also have the seat slightly more upright for older babies who like to look around more and have good head support.
Read this if you still are undecided about which way to face your 1 year old http://www.joelsjourney.org/index.html

Tamarra - posted on 05/21/2010

I bought my guy a forward facing car seat, at 1 yr old he is really tall and weighs 21lbs, besides he gets car sick and bored facing he back and unable to see much.

Erin - posted on 05/21/2010

I also agree with Cheresa. It is NOT a matter of your parenting tactics. It's a matter of your child's safety. I don't even have words to say to some of these irresponsible, idiotic responses. There's a big difference between 'personal choice' and 'best for your child.' I hope that more people make the right decision on this. There's no good reason to turn the seat around , especially this early. As I said before, if they've been rear facing since say one, they don't know what they're missing. and DUH! It just might be better to have your legs broken than to be thrown through a windshield.

Erin - posted on 05/21/2010

I've heard that they should be rear facing as long as possible. I know someone with 3 year old twins who are still rear facing. Many of the bigger car seat models can be either rear or forward facing and if their feet outgrow the space teach them to sit criss--cross applesauce! It's so much safer for your child and if they've never been forward facing, they won't know what they're missing. We just switched our infant car seat to a big comfy one, but it's rear facing and will be for as long as possible.

Alexandra - posted on 05/21/2010

I couldn't agree more Cheresa!

Cheresa - posted on 05/21/2010

I'm not very amused when reading many of the posts above. It doesn't matter if the child is happier facing forward. My son is happier without a diaper but does that mean I don't put one on him? My son would love to walk outside and into the street, so do I let him?? Come on people get a clue. You can buy larger car seats that can either face forward or backwards. My son grew out of his infant seat as well, so then I got a big boy seat that can still face backwards, Its not rocket science. I'm sorry but it upsets me when people care more about themselves than their childs safety. You don't want to hear the baby fussing in the car so you turn them forward facing at 7 mos? COME ON!!!!

Ali - posted on 05/20/2010

In Australia they can turn forwards at 8kg or after 6 months when they have excellent head/neck strength.

Katherine - posted on 05/20/2010

suppose it also depends on ur child aswell. as my litle one was to small for his other car seat but does also weigh over 20lbs

Sara - posted on 05/20/2010

My pediatrician said 1 yr & 20 lbs too though I've heard that the AAP now recommends you wait until at least 2 yrs & 20 lbs. We're going to wait, she doesn't know any different.

Katherine - posted on 05/20/2010

i put my little boy in a forward facing carseat at bout 11 months

Dina - posted on 05/20/2010

My daughter just turned one and is over 20 lbs, but we still have her facing the back. I read that the Pediatricians want you to keep them rear facing as long as possible. We upgraded her carseat to a larger one and she can't touch the back of the seat yet.

Suzanne - posted on 05/20/2010

The doctor just told us to wait until 1 year. My twin boys will be 1 year next week and we went ahead and just switched them to forward facing car seats. They weigh 24 and 26 lbs. They love facing forward!

Heather - posted on 05/19/2010

My daughter turned 1 on 5/12. At her 1 yr well baby check up she only weighed 20 lbs 5 ozs. My husband and I have been debating about whether or not to turn her around. Right now she is content to be rear facing and I (at this point) would like to leave her that way until at least her 15 mos check up. The only thing is that her feet are starting to touch the seat and I wonder how much longer before they actually will and then will she get mad b/c she is uncomfortable.

I know we all want the best for our children. I would have to say that many of you are coming across as judgmental and laying the guilt on pretty thick. It is the parents choice and the law (even here in TN) is 1 yr AND 20 lbs. We all parent differently. My best friend has a son who is only 3 wks older than my daughter and there are things that she did w/ him that I still don't do w/ my daughter. He is a healthy child and just b/c we parent differently doesn't make one of us right and the other one wrong.

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 05/19/2010

Yes, I think Australia's laws are the youngest for turning a baby forward facing.

Beckie - posted on 05/19/2010

Sara, thats really interesting, i live in Australia and the legal age is from 6 months. I guess it comes down to personal choice.

Lynette - posted on 05/19/2010

My daughter went into a forwsrd facing car seat at 7 months as she was too big for her infant one.

Dayna - posted on 05/19/2010

My doctor said the new rule is 2 years....the thought being, "Better to have broken legs than to be thrown through the windshield" On that note, my daughter is 25 lbs., turned a year on may 6th, and has been in a forward facing seat since she was 11 1/2 months. I think it's up to you, since it is your child, but if you feel safe putting your child in a forward-facing; go for it. Just be ready to stand by what you decided to do, if something happens. Since we've put our daughter in the front-facing seat...she loves riding in the car. She can just see more and is a lot happier.

Tiffany - posted on 05/19/2010

we bought a forward facing seat about 2 weeks before my daughter turned one. I would have liked to keep her rear-facing but she is tall, and absolutely hates riding in the car. And it does seem like she doesn't fuss as much now that she is forward facing and can see us when we are driving!

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 05/19/2010

Beckie, I'm not sure where the OP is from, but it's illegal in the U.S. to turn a baby forward before one year old and 20 lbs.

Beckie - posted on 05/19/2010

You can usually turn your baby around to forward facing at around 6 months. Usually they let you know when they are ready, they will start to try and sit up in their car seat. From 6 months of age, depending on their size.

Melissa - posted on 05/18/2010

Personally, my daughter will be turning at or closer to age two...Turned 1 on 5/4. My pediatrician goes with the new 2 year guideline due to the numerous tests and I agree with her. She also reminded me that during the 12-18 month mark as kids grow their weight actually fluctuates up to 2 lbs (so unless you are weighing that kid everyday...) They may be 20lbs. on their 1st birthday and only 19 lbs. a month later...This is part of the reason for the 2 year mark now becoming more popular with doctors. For the many of you that have turned your kids in the US before age 1, please consider the fact that it is a law and not a suggestion! If your child is uncomfortable in a seatbelt at age 4 are you going to let them go without that as well? Car safety is not the place to allow your kids to make decisions for themselves. And in response to the good old days of when we as kids didn't even have car seats or seatbelt safety laws of any sort in the US, there were also A LOT less cars on the roads and speed limits were lower...there weren't people driving and talking on the phone, there weren't people texting while driving...so much has changed and as parents we need to change with it. When I was 4 years old I ran amuck through the streets with the random neighborhood kids and was in and out of every house on the street until the lights came on and I went home for dinner....but there is no way I would allow that in today's society for my 9 year old much less a 4 year old. Please don't think that those of us that are staying rear facing until 2 years are crazy or trying to judge, but following the law of 1 year AND 20 pounds is doable for all kids and just because YOU are a safe driver doesn't mean that everyone is....Drunk drivers kill more people than all other homicides combined....please just think about it and be safe. We know you love your kids and don't want to think of any mother having to mourn or sit in a hospitable bed that wouldn't have to. To everyone, please drive safely :)

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 05/18/2010

I plan on keeping my daughter rear facing until she reaches our seat max for rear facing which is 40 lbs.

Linsey - posted on 05/18/2010

these moms that are saying "their kids legs were touching the back of the seat"...so they switched it over when they were 6 or 7 months... the kids could always cross their legs.. my daughter did. And would you rather they have a broken leg than a broken neck?... 1 year i think is fine.. as long as you can leave them in rear facing, its the best honestly.. but i turned my daughter around at 1 year

Leslie - posted on 05/17/2010

Wow so many strong opinions. I have problems right now with my rear facing car seat because my fiancee and I can't drive and don't have a car, so we have to use our roommates car to go places a lot of times. He has a two door with buckety seats...which makes strapping the car seat in very difficult unless in the middle and even then it still seems too loose. But I plan to keep my daughter rear facing as long as she can stand it and according to my car seat. She is the love of my life and keeps me going, and I couldn't stand to see her get hurt. My daughter is 4 days away from turning 1 and she weighs 19 1/2 pounds. And even when she is 20 lbs I'm going to keep putting her rear facing, even if it's a hassle for me.

I don't that anyone is a bad parent if they put their child forward facing once they hit 1 year and 20 lbs. I personally wouldn't suggest it, but everyone is different.

Kailey - posted on 05/17/2010

in michigan it is 1 year old and like 20 to 25 lbs i believe. they love it to. there is more to look at and its easier to look back at them.

Natalie - posted on 05/17/2010

i turned my sons round about 7 months they need to b over 9kg and b able to hold there head up unsupported for a long while

Dara - posted on 05/17/2010

My doctor said up to 2 years they can be rear facing, as long as you have a carseat approved for it. I believe the Britax ones are approved rear facing up to 30 pounds.

Gretchen - posted on 05/16/2010

I was told that the law in Kentucky (where we live) was rear-facing until age 2 or 30lbs. I'm thinking I might be wrong, though, but it really doesn't matter. I was planning to keep my girlie rear facing for another year anyway.

Hope all this conversation is urging us to drive more carefully! Remember how it was when we first came home from the hospital, and you felt every bump in the road, thinking of your baby?

April - posted on 05/16/2010

This is not a case of do what you think is best. There are huge safety facts from safety people and peds that insist rear-facing until 1 year and 20 pounds AT LEAST. The one yr is crucial bc an infant under 1's bones are not strong enough to sustain car crash injuries in forward facing impacts. You are 70% more likely to have a front end or t-bone crash where rear-facing are hugely safer and more protective. There are many great seats that keep them rear-facing as long as possible, which is what transportation safety board and AAP almost insist on. Rear facing and in middle seat are the best and you have to do what's best. Grace MyRide65 is $150ish and is top rated in safety, comfort, reliability and ease of use in Consumer Reports.

Maribel - posted on 05/16/2010

my son is about to be one on may 30th and i think im going to keep him in a rear facing carseat until i see he is becoming uncomfortable in it.

Amber - posted on 05/16/2010

The law is 1yr AND 20 lbs....how ever go watch crash tests on you tube of infants sitting forward versus rear facing. The new recommendation is keeping them backwards as long as they don't exceed the weight of their carseat. My sons convertible carseat says backward up to 35 lbs so he will be backwards until then. It is much safer and after seeing the crash test videos I wonder why anyone would but their child is such danger if you ever get in a wreck!!!

Tracey - posted on 05/16/2010

Here in Australia, u can turn the seat around when the know how to sit up on their own, which is about between 6-8mths, when my son was bout 6mths we went to visit my brother and his wife, by train, they picked us up half way, and because my sister in-law didnt know that he could sit up she had the seat reversed, and she sat in the back with him and her daughter, he gave her the evil look the whole drive. But he loves looking out the windows facing forward, he giggles and sings.

Alexandra - posted on 05/15/2010

I will keep my 1 year old in his rear facing til 30lbs. I did it with my first. And he was almost 3 before we turned it around (I have small kids). I just know its safer in the long run.

Heidi - posted on 05/15/2010

Actually the neck is just beginning to ossify at age 2. So a 2 yr olds neck still may not be strong enough. This is why in Sweden they rear-face to age 4 or 5. Ossification is complete around age 3-6 but it varies by child. This is why it is important to rear-face as long as possible.

Emily - posted on 05/15/2010

I'm keeping my daughter rear facing for now. It's not because of the video, it's not because I just want her to be safe, but for the fact that we have a big SUV and if she was forward facing I wouldn't be able to reach back to help her when she loses her pacifier or toy! So yeah, it's for my own selfish reason.

One of the things that I didn't read here, or at least didn't when I scanned through all the posts, is something when I taught at Gymboree Play and Music. A child's neck is not strong enough to prevent potential injury due to their own weight when/if they do a somersault or if they are tossed into the air. A child's neck IS strong enough to do above said things, when they reach the age of two. The muscles in the neck are then strong enough to support them.

Cheresa - posted on 05/14/2010

My mother told me a horror story about when I was an infant. We did not have car seats back then(don't even ask how long ago that was lol) and she had me in the carrier on the front seat when I car went out in front of her and she had to slam on the breaks. I flew off the seat and to the floor. Thank God we do have car seats now. My point being, the LAW back then was no car seat and it changed because of safety. Right now it might be the law that we can face them forward at 1 yr old, but later when they figure out that its not the best idea they'll then change the law. Regardless its better to be safe than sorry, right?

Cheresa - posted on 05/14/2010

Tami the video is above. You'll have to scroll for a while & you'll see it.

A - posted on 05/14/2010

1 yr AND 22 pounds is the rule, I believe on being LEGALLY allowed to do it. However, many studies have shown that its still BEST to keep your child rear facing for as long as possible. Its still the best way to keep your young child safe in a crash. Some parents think its bad because the kids legs/feet can reach the back of the seat, but broken legs are much better than a dead child!

Rebecca - posted on 05/14/2010

We're staying rear-facing as long as possible. We also outgrew the baby seat (carrier type) by six months, and simply bought a convertible seat that would allow her to remain rear facing. For those who are turning your children around before 1 year and 20 pounds, make sure you check your local laws, most states require rear facing until at least the first year, so you're risking a fine as well as your child's safety.

You're right, most of us weren't restrained as kids. Most of our kids would be just fine without a carseat, or front facing. I just know that in the unlikely chance I was in an accident, I would want to know I had done the safest thing. Once I learned about extended rear facing, I knew that if I went ahead and turned my daughter around, I'd never forgive myself if something happened. Its no different than any other safety issue, putting a gate at the stairs, taking the dials off the stove and putting up the chemicals. Most likely, we're doing more than is neccessary.

Heidi - posted on 05/14/2010

They are not uncomfortable. Just b/c they look like it doesn't mean they are. Kids are very flexible. My son has no issues with his legs being bent and actually cries when he is forward facing b/c of his legs dangling.
Before I read the info and watched the videos, I thought it sounded ridiculous as well. My 1st son was ff at 11m old.
Now I know better and I know it is safer.
When we know better we do better.

The other thing is car wrecks are the #1 killer of our kids age 1 and over. It seems to make sense that this is b/c at age 1 most babies are put FF then at age 4 into boosters and at age 6 taken out. Obviously the law is not what is best practice and that is where extended rear-facing and extended harnessing come in.

Michelle - posted on 05/14/2010

How are you supposed to keep your child rear facing until age 2? We put our son in a forward facing car seat at 7 months because his feet were pushing against the seat and he looked uncomfortable.