While 1 year and 20 pounds used to be the standard for when to flip car seats around, most experts now recommend using rear-facing child seats until children outgrow the top weight and height recommendations of the car seat manufacturer. This means your child may be rear-facing until well beyond their second birthday.
- There are some situations in which facing backward may seem uncomfortable for a child—like long road trips where it seems like the little one’s legs are cramped up against the back of the seat.
- You shouldn’t let the baby face forward in the car simply because they seem uncomfortable or don’t like to be rear facing.
Tots are generally very flexible and even when they seem cramped up by adult standards, they can actually be quite comfortable. Adding a mirror that allows your child to see themselves (and you) while you are driving can help alleviate stress and boredom.
What is the right age for a forward facing car seat?
Forward-facing car seat age – Many parents want to know the right age for a forward-facing car seat, but this is not as straightforward as it may seem. Legally, your child can travel in an ECE R44/04 approved car seat facing forward once they are 9 kg, which is approximately age nine months.
When to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing car seat?
Car seats for infants and toddlers – From the moment you leave the hospital, your bundle of joy should be safely strapped into a rear-facing infant car seat with a five-point harness. A five-point harness has two straps that go over your child’s shoulders and snap into a buckle around their waist.
- The five points are the two shoulders, two hips and in between the legs.
- Mount infant car seats in the backseat of your vehicle, facing the rear window. Dr.
- Mudd recommends parents try to prepare for their first car ride home from the hospital by having the car seat installation checked by a local fire station or children’s hospital.
Also be sure to read the car seat manual or try watching a YouTube video of how to use that specific car seat. Having the car seat set up correctly and ready to go ahead of time can reduce stress and help parents feel more confident about taking their little ones home for the first time.
Choose: Rear-facing-only car seats with a five-point harness or rear-facing convertible car seats with a five-point harness When to switch to a forward-facing car seat: It’s about weight and height, not age. Look at the height and weight limits on your infant car seat. Rear-facing-only seats typically range from 26 to 36 inches and 22 to 35 pounds.
Convertible car seats tend to have higher limits. That’s because you can eventually turn them around to be forward-facing when your child’s ready, so they grow with your kid. “Kids generally reach the weight and height limits for rear facing around age 2 or older.
But keep them rear facing for as long as possible. Try to reach the maximum size allowed by the manufacturer,” says Dr. Mudd. “Even if your child’s legs touch the back seat of the car, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s time to move on. Legs bend.” If you’re tempted to switch early, remember that rear facing is safest for your child.
“Car crashes usually involve front-end collisions. Facing the back protects children’s heads, necks and spines because they push into — and not away from — the seat during a crash.”
When can my child travel in an ECE car seat facing forward?
Forward-facing car seat age – Many parents want to know the right age for a forward-facing car seat, but this is not as straightforward as it may seem. Legally, your child can travel in an ECE R44/04 approved car seat facing forward once they are 9 kg, which is approximately age nine months.
When can I move my child out of the rear-facing car seat?
It can be confusing and hard for parents to know when the right time is to make a switch. It can be more difficult if you don’t have the right knowledge about car seats and the difference between them all. As parents, it is important to always be aware of changes regarding a child’s safety. 
You may ask when to switch to forward facing car seat? Well, to put it in simply, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended moving your child out of the rear facing car seat unless they reach the height and weight limits of the car seat; which means that until your child outgrows from the rear facing then only you can make the switch.
- Forward Facing Vs. Rear Facing
- When Can Babies Face Forward In A Car Seat?
- How Long Should Your Child Stay Forward Facing?
- What Can You Do With Your Old Car Seats?
- Safety Tips For Forward Facing Car Seat
Every parent must know when the accurate time is to switch and all the necessary details before and after switching. In this article, I will be discussing everything you need to know to make the right decision.
