When Should A Car Seat Be Forward Facing?

When Should A Car Seat Be Forward Facing
After outgrowing their rear-facing car seat, use a forward-facing car seat until at least age 5. When children outgrow their rear-facing car seat, they should be buckled in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and a top tether, in the back seat.

Should you switch your child’s car seat to front-facing?

Is it time to move to a forward-facing car seat?

Many parents aren’t sure when it’s safe to switch their child’s rear-facing car seat to the forward-facing position. Expert organizations used to say it was fine to turn your child’s car seat around when she turned 2. But the recommendations have changed in recent years.

  1. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the vast majority of children stay rear-facing as long as possible, even after turning 2, and parents shouldn’t make the switch based on age.
  2. The biggest reason? Rear-facing car seats are better at protecting the head, neck and spine in the event of a crash.

Here’s why it’s worth holding off on turning your child’s car seat around and how to tell when she’s ready to face forward.

Where to put a forward facing car seat in a car?

5. Safety Tips For Transitioning To A Forward-Facing Car Seat –

  • It is important to always check the manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle manual before you install the car seat, as some models are designed differently, and they might not fit in some car types.
  • Make sure to always check the car seat also buckle and lock the seat belt every time before you start driving as some kids might play with the belt or the seat position can be disturbed.
  • Moreover, it is also important to always buckle your child properly and tighten the seat belt if needed, as, during a crash, it will protect the child from jerking in a crash.
  • Make sure to always teach your kids the safety lessons that will help them understand that it is not appropriate for them to play around while they are on the seat or unbuckle themselves.
  • It is important to note that kids on any car seat should not be used for sleeping and only use it in the car when you are traveling somewhere.
  • Make sure the height and weight of your child always matches the weight and height limits of the car seat.
  • Always install the forward facing car seat in the center seat as it will be easier for you to look at your child sitting at the back, and it is also considered the safest place to install, which will protect you from getting injuries during a crash.