Rear facing Dilemma

Maree - posted on 12/07/2011

Oh,cause i was kinda thinking that because her neck is not very strong that she would still be safer facing rearward for a bit longer.



I just read the instructions and apart from the weight limits it says....before using the seat in a forward facing position,check that your baby can easily support their head with their neck.



She isn't that great...she's a real bobble head lol so what do you think???

Kellie - posted on 12/07/2011

Kel, by keeping her RF pas the limit of the seat you are actually endangering your daughter. The seat s not made for RF past a certain weight and therefore the seat's safety is weakened And most likely won't hold up in an accident if your were to be unfortunate enought to be involved in an accident.

The weight limit is there for a reason. It's what the manufacturers test to and deem safe, beyond that you are taking a pretty big risk.

Maree - posted on 12/07/2011

Also i still have my 11 year old sitting on a booster...he is very unimpressed with me but without it the seatbelt rubs high on his neck so in an accident his neck would be cut badly...I am the only person i know that has a child that age on a booster but i really think he still needs to be in it.

Maree - posted on 12/07/2011

I don't know where you guys are from but i'm guessing it's not Australia ???

We have recent law changes in regards to this.
Babies can go forward facing from i think 8 kg but it says it on the seat,maybe it depends on the brand.

Up until age 4,they need a seat with harness and from 4 to 7 they need a booster with the normal seat belt.

up until the law change,you could do what you want after 12 months of age....completely ridiculous !!!!

everyone here has their baby forward facing at around 6 months,everyone i know of anyway.
I think it's too early as their necks are nowhere near strong enough at that age but so many people are more concerned with the baby being more entertained when they are forward facing.

My baby is 8 months and rear facing. Her seat says "for rearward facing baby up to 8 kg or forward facing baby from 9 kg" She is 9.5 kg now and i will not be facing her forward no matter what the label says. She isn't even sitting up alone yet so clearly doesn't have the strength to forward face.

I think they should review the laws again as they are still stupid IMO.

Kellie - posted on 12/07/2011

Using the seat correctly and therefore at it's maximum safety is best no matter what age you turn them.

Our car seats only go to 12 months or X Kg's here. I had to turn our daughter about 6.5/7 months because she was over the RF Kg limit for her seat. I even emailed the Manufacturer to see if I could get away with RF'ing her past the weight limit but sadly no.

Incorrectly using a seat is just as dangerous as turning them FF too soon, so I believe you made the right decision.

Sherri - posted on 12/07/2011

The recommendations were far different with my first three. My oldest is 14.

However, with the son I am pregnant with now. My plan is to have him rear facing till at least 3. I think you did a great job and the recommendation is till 2 which you have done and then some.