When you’re out driving around in your car, you probably don’t think much about the fact that the person in the seat behind you is literally facing backwards. But what you may not know is that this type of seating has some serious consequences. In this blog post, we will explore the requirements for forward facing car seats and what you need to know before buying one for your vehicle. From safety concerns to legal requirements, read on to learn everything you need to know about this controversial type of seating.
What Are The Requirements For Forward Facing Car Seats
Forward facing car seats are designed to accommodate children from 0-8 years old. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that all children aged 12 months or older be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 4’9″ tall, or the weight limit of the car seat, whichever is greater. Children younger than 12 months should only be placed in a forward-facing car seat if they are taller than 30 inches and weigh more than 20 pounds.
The NHTSA also recommends that any child between the ages of 1 and 2 years old who is eligible for a child safety seat be placed in a rear-facing car seat unless the vehicle has an appropriate base model that does not have a rear-facing child safety seat option. Children between 2 and 3 years old should be placed in either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat based on their size and weight. After age 3, children should ride in a booster seat until they reach the height and weight limits for an adult safety belt. If the vehicle has no available safety belts for Adults, then the child should ride in a harnessed lap/shoulder belt until he/she reaches 4’9″ tall or weighs 40 pounds.
What Are The Benefits of Forward Facing Car Seats
Forward facing car seats offer many benefits for both children and parents. These seats can help keep children safe in the event of a crash, and they can also provide convenience for parents. Here are some of the benefits of forward facing car seats:
1. They Keep Children Safe In The Event Of A Crash
Forward facing car seats protect children in the event of a crash by keeping them closer to the front of the vehicle. This reduces the chance that they will be injured or killed, and it can also prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle.
2. They Are Convenient For Parents
Forward facing car seats are convenient for parents because they allow them to keep an eye on their child while they are driving. This is especially important for mothers who often have less time to devote to their children than fathers do.
3. They Reduce The Amount Of Time That Children Spend In The Carseat
Forward facing car seats reduce the amount of time that children spend in carseats, which can be a relief for parents who are trying to get through their day while taking care of their child. Additionally, forwardfacing car seats may allow children to grow more accustomed to regular sitting in vehicles over time, which may make them safer drivers down the road.
Types of Forward Facing Car Seats
Forward-facing car seats are designed to provide the best possible protection for infants and children in the event of a crash. There are several different types of forward-facing car seats available on the market, each with its own set of specific requirements.
Some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a forward-facing car seat include: weight limit, height limit, type of restraint system (lap or shoulder), and vehicle make and model.
Weight limit: A weight restriction is typically included in the specs for all forward-facing car seats. This is due to the fact that heavier infants and children will generally require a more sturdy seat that can support their greater weight.
Height limit: Forward-facing car seats typically have a height restriction of about 18 inches, which is enough room for most infants and toddlers. However, some manufacturers offer convertible car seats that can grow with your child up to 35 inches tall. If you’re concerned about your child outgrowing their forward-facing seat soon, it’s worth considering purchasing a convertible seat instead.
Type of restraint system: Car seats come with either lap or shoulder belts (or both). All forward-facing car seats must use at least one belt to ensure proper protection in case of a crash. Some convertible car seats also come with LATCH systems, which allow them to be attached directly to your vehicle’s safety belt anchors.
Vehicle make and model: While all cars made after 1985
How To Check If Your Seat is In the Correct Position
To properly check if your seat is in the correct position, you’ll need to know the width of your car’s seat and the distance between your shoulder and the centerline of the seat. You can do this by measuring both values yourself or using a car manufacturer’s specifications chart. Next, use these measurements to find the corresponding position on your seat’s adjustment lever. If your seat isn’t in that position, adjust it as necessary.
Conclusion
As we all know, children are growing faster than ever before. That means that car seats are becoming more and more important in order to keep them safe. But what does this mean for the forward-facing car seat? And how do you determine if it’s the right one for your child? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.