One of the most important decisions you’ll ever make when it comes to your child is where they spend their car rides. And that means making sure your car seat is age-appropriate. But what does “age-appropriate” mean? And how do you know when your child is ready for a car seat that faces forward? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, so that you can make an informed decision about car seat front facing for your family.
When to turn your car seat front facing
When to turn your car seat front facing
There is no one definitive answer to this question. Ultimately, it depends on your child’s age and size.
If your child is under 1 year old, you should always keep them rear-facing in a car seat. This way, their head and neck are protected in the event of a crash.
For babies from 1 to 2 years old, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that you start using a car seat that has a front-facing feature. The advantage of this type of car seat is that they can see out the windshield better and feel closer to the action.
Starting at 2 years old, many parents choose to turn their child’s car seat front-facing without an accompanying safety belt. This decision is based on weight and height limits set by the NHTSA for children this age. If your child exceeds these limits, use a safety belt or ensure they are adequately restrained in another way such as using an infant carrier or booster seat.
If you are not sure when your child is ready for a front-facing car seat, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician or other health care professional.
How to adjust a car seat for front-facing
To adjust a car seat for front-facing, first make sure the headrest is in the correct position. To do this, pull it up and towards you until you feel a click or hear a beep. Make sure the shoulder belt is snugly buckled.
Then, move the latch that holds the seat in place out of the way so that you can adjust the seat back angle. There are two positions: angled forward (19 degrees) and angled back (49 degrees). To move it to its highest or lowest setting, place your fingers inside the curved plastic part of the handle and twist it counterclockwise or clockwise.
Once you’ve adjusted both angles, reinsert the latch into its original position and tighten the belt by pulling it towards you. Test your seat by placing your child in it and making sure their headrest is positioned correctly and their shoulders are secure against their chest.
What to do if your car seat isn’t adjustable for front-facing
If you have a car seat that isn’t adjustable for front-facing, you can use the vehicle’s seat belt to secure the carseat in a rear-facing position. Your child should remain in the car seat until they are at least 8 years old and weigh 40 pounds or less.
Conclusion
It’s never too early to start preparing your family for the future. When it comes to car seats, age is just a number. As long as your child is between 4 and 40 pounds, they should be seated in a rear-facing car seat until they reach maximum height or weight limits set by the manufacturer. Once your child reaches 41 pounds or more, they are ready for a forward-facing car seat. If you have any questions about when your child is ready for their next step in car safety, don’t hesitate to ask an expert!