When it comes to the safety of your child, there is no question that you want the best possible option for them. And one of the best options out there is a forward-facing car seat. But what are the risks and realities of using a forward-facing car seat? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more, so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to use one.
What is a Forward Facing Car Seat?
Forward-facing car seats are designed to keep infants as close to the front of the vehicle as possible in order to reduce the risk of them hitting their heads in a collision. They are also typically equipped with safety features such as airbags and reinforced headrests, which make them especially protective. However, not all forward-facing car seats are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs and fits your child properly. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a forward-facing car seat:
Size
Most forward-facing car seats fit children from about 5 months old until around 18 months old. Make sure you pick a seat that will fit your child well and is large enough for them to sit in without being too cramped or too loose.
Recline Feature
A recline feature allows children to nap or sleep in the seat while kept close to the front of the vehicle in case of a crash. Some cars have built-in recliners, while others require an adapter or additional purchase. If you’re looking for a reclining car seat, be sure to choose one that has a good rating from safety experts like The NHTSA and CARSEARN.
LATCH System
Your car should have LATCH system if you plan on using a forward-facing car seat for long trips or overnight trips. LATCH anchors your car seat into place so it can’t move during a crash.
Safety Features of a Forward Facing Car Seat
Today’s forward facing car seats come with many safety features, the most important of which is the ability to properly restrain a child in an accident. A forward facing car seat should use at least five straps to secure the child in place. It should also have a hard outer shell and a soft inner layer to protect the child from injury in a crash.
Many models also have features that help keep children safe in a crash. Forward facing car seats often come with energy- Absorbing foam inserts at both the front and back of the seat to help reduce impact forces on the child in a crash. The car seat can also be equipped with side impact bars, which helps reduce the risk of head and neck injuries in a crash.
There are dozens of different forward facing car seats on the market, so it is important to pick one that meets your needs and safety concerns.
Why are Forward Facing Car Seats Important?
Forward facing car seats are important for two primary reasons.
First, they reduce the amount of time a child is rear facing in a car. There is a great deal of research that indicates that children who are rear faced for an extended period of time are at risk for numerous health issues including obesity and autism. Forward facing car seats offer optimal protection from these health risks while also helping to promote independence in young children.
Second, forwardfacing car seats provide better protection in the event of a crash. In a frontal impact, the force transmitted to the head and body is much greater in a forward facing seat than it is in a rear facing seat. This is because the head and torso are positioned right up against each other in a frontal impact, which increases the severity of injury to those areas.
What to Look for in a Safe and Effective Forward Facing Car Seat
When shopping for a car seat, it is important to consider how the forward facing position will be used. There are three types of forward facing car seats: infant-only, convertible and back-less.
Infant-only car seats are designed for infants only and do not allow for any other passengers to occupy the seat. These seats should only be used until the child outgrows their infant stage, typically at around 12 months old.
Convertible car seats can be used in either the front or rear facing position and allow for one or two children to sit in them together. These seats should only be used until the child outgrows their convertible stage, typically at around 24 months old.
Backless car seats are designed for children who are too large for an infant-only or convertible seat but do not yet fit into a regular seat. These seats can be positioned in the front or rear facing position and usually have a weight limit of 50 pounds or more. Backless car seats often have a higher price tag than other types of car seats, but they offer greater safety features as they can accommodate larger children better.
Conclusion
As parents, it is our job to ensure that our children are as safe as possible while traveling in a car. One of the most important things we can do to ensure their safety is to choose the right forward-facing car seat. Not only will this seat provide proper protection in the event of a collision, but it also allows your child to grow and develop properly. When shopping for a car seat, be sure to consider features like weight and height limits, as well as whether or not the seat has been crash tested. Thank you for reading!