It’s no secret that we parents are always on the lookout for ways to keep our kids safe. And with so many cars on the road these days, it’s essential to make sure their car seats are in the right position. However, not all car seats are created equal; and even when they are in the same position, they can still be unsafe. In this article, we will explore how age can determine when a child can turn their car seat around. From there, you can decide which car seat is best for your family.
How to Turn Your Child’s Car Seat Around
You can turn your child’s car seat around as early as age 2. However, some pediatricians recommend waiting until your child is at least 4 or 5 years old to turn their car seat around because they are bigger and can handle the transition better.
If your child is too young to turn their car seat around themselves, you may need help from a family member or a trusted friend. First, make sure that the car seat is facing the correct direction: front facing for infants and toddlers, rear facing for children age 1-3 years old, and forwardfacing for those ages 4-8 years old.
If you’re having trouble turning the car seat around yourself, ask someone else to help. Next, remove the infant or toddler safety belt by pulling it out from the lap strap buckle and then unthreading it from the shoulder harness. If you have an adjustable safety belt, be sure to loosen it before removing it so that it doesn’t tighten as your child moves around in their seat.
Now it’s time to help your child get out of their car seat. Locate the shoulder belt adjuster on the right side of the carseat near your child’s head and pull down on it until it unlatches from the belt path (it should only take a few seconds). Make sure that your child stays seated during this process; if they get up too soon their head could hit against the top of the carseat frame and cause injury.
The Risks of NOT Turning Your Child’s Car Seat Around
There are many risks associated with not turning a child’s car seat around. In the event of a collision, the child could be thrown from the car and suffer serious injuries or even death. Additionally, not turning a child’s car seat around can also cause spinal cord compression, which can lead to paralysis. It is important to remember that even if your child falls asleep in their car seat, you should still turn it around so that they are facing backwards in case they need to be able to breathe in an emergency.
The Benefits of Turning Your Child’s Car Seat Around
There are a lot of benefits to turning your child’s car seat around when they reach a certain age. First, it can help make them more comfortable. Second, it can improve their safety. Third, it helps teach them how to properly buckle up. Fourth, it can help them develop better movement skills. Finally, it can help them learn to be more independent. Here are six reasons why you should turn your child’s car seat around:
1) It Helps Make Them More Comfortable
When your child is facing the outside of the car instead of the inside, they will feel more comfortable. This will reduce the risk of neck and back pain in the long run. Plus, it will allow them to see more while driving which can improve their overall safety.
2) It Improves Their Safety
When children are properly buckled up, they are much less likely to be thrown out of a car or injured in another way. Turning their car seat around also helps teach them how to properly do this on their own which is an important skill for later on in life.
3) It Can Help Develop Better Movement Skills
When a child is facing outward instead of inward, they will learn how to move their body in different directions and learn how to use their arms and legs better. This is important for both physical and mental development.
4) It Teaches Them How To Be More Independent