Can I switch to forward facing car seat?

Renee - posted on 09/07/2010

You can buy a bigger car seat and keep her rear facing as long as possible. I have an infant carrier seat for now, but once my daughter reaches the weight limit for that I will switch her to a convertible seat which goes up to 35lbs for rear facing. I found not only is it safer to have them rear facing longer, but they also sleep better in the car.

Lisa - posted on 09/07/2010

My daughter met the length requirement a long time ago, but no the weight. She just turned 18 months old and finally weighs 22 lbs. Even thought the was the right length and right age, I didn't want to turn her around because she didn't weigh enough. For her safety, I kept her rear facing.

Jara - posted on 09/07/2010

I 100% agree with Jennifer also. I actually went to a class about this at my oldest daughters school last week. I would get a convertible seat and keep her rear facing until AT LEAST 1 year of age. Until they are over a year, their neck is still not as strong as it should be. Their heads are still a little large for their bodies, and that is what hurts them the most in car accidents. I learned a lot in this class that I had NO idea about. I didn't realize there was so much to learn about car seats and how to use them. I would definately recomend talking to your local DHS office and see if there is a carseat information class or something. You will be amazed at what you learn. It is very dangerous and can be life threatening if you put your child in the wrong car seat for their age and size. I'm sure DHS will at least have some information for you to read. I am not saying those things to scare you, but I realized how important the right car seat really is. It can literally be a difference between life and death.

Sarah - posted on 09/07/2010

I agree with Jennifer. I honestly would keep her rear-facing as long as possible. If you can, I would return the forward-facing car seat & purchase a convertible one. My son is 11 1/2 months old & only about 19lbs, but his car seat can sit rear-facing up to 35lbs & forward facing up to 50lbs. I'm going to keep him rear-facing until he hits the max weight for his car seat. It's so much safer to keep them rear-facing as long as possible.

Jennifer - posted on 09/07/2010

the american academy of pediatrics recommends that children stay rear facing until they are 2 years old because it is 5 times safer than forward facing. in the united states, it is the LAW that they stay rear facing until they are 1 year AND 20 pounds.

honestly, i would return the seat you have, and purchase a convertible carseat because they can stay rear facing usually at least up to 30 or 35 pounds.

it is completely safe that her feet touch the seat, in a crash, this will not injure her legs but with her head nearing the top of the seat, you really ought to get a convertible carseat. if you put her forward facing, even at a year, this puts her at risk of being internally decapitated if you were in a crash.