When you buy a car seat for your child, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to buy a forward-facing or rear-facing car seat. But what is the difference between these two types of seats, and when is it safe for a child to face forward? In this blog post, we will look at these questions and more, so that you can make an informed decision about which car seat is best for your family.
When To Install A Car Seat Forward-facing
When to Install a Car Seat Forward-facing
A child should not ride in a car seat backwards unless directed to do so by a doctor. Children should always be properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2 years old or when they can sit unassisted in a booster seat. Once your child is able to safely sit unassisted in a booster seat, they are ready to use a forward-facing car seat until they reach their 5th birthday.
Installation of a forward-facing car seat depends on your child’s weight and height. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children between 1 and 2 years old should only use rear-facing seats because their thighs and hips are still growing and they may not be able to fit adequately into a forward-facing car seat. Children 3 through 4 years old should use rear-and/or forward-facing seats based on their height and weight. However, if your child is taller than 44 inches or weighs more than 65 pounds, the AAP advises using only a forward-facing safety seat for maximum protection. Children who are between 5 and 8 years old can use either type of car seat according to weight and height, but the AAP recommends using only an appropriate grade for your child’s development (eg: convertible, booster, or harnessed) until they reach puberty.
To install your child’s carseat, remove the base from the vehicle and place it on level ground.
What Factors Affect When A Car Seat Should Face Forward
When Should a Child Car Seat Face Forward?
There are many factors that affect when a car seat should face forward, such as the age and size of the child, the weight and build of the child, and whether there are other children in the car. However, one common guideline is that babies should be placed in a car seat facing forward as much as possible until they reach 1 year old. After 1 year old, most experts recommend seating your child facing backward only if they are significantly taller or heavier than other children their age or if there are no other children in the car.
How To Check If Your Car Seat Is Forward Facing
There are a few things that you can do to check if your car seat is facing the right way.
The car seat should be placed so the front of the seat is towards the middle of the vehicle. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed, but here are a few other tips:
-Check that all straps are tight and evenly distributed.
-Make sure there is enough space between your child’s legs and the edge of the car seat.
-Ensure any blankets or stuffed animals don’t interfere with sensors on the car seat.
When To Install A Rear-facing Car Seat
Rear-facing car seats are designed for children who are less than 1 year old and weigh less than 20 pounds. Younger children should not be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight and height recommendations listed in the manufacturer’s instructions. Children who are between 1 and 4 years old should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the height and weight limits of their seat, or until they can sit up unaided, unless they are shorter than 42 inches tall. Children who are between 5 and 8 years old should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the height and weight limits of their seat, or until they can sit up unaided, unless they are shorter than 42 inches tall. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children who are taller than 8 years old or heavier than 40 pounds should use an appropriate forward-facing car seat.
What Factors Affect Rear-facing Seats
Rear-facing car seats are typically best for children younger than 1 year old, but they can be used for older children as long as the child’s height, weight and age are taken into account. Factors that affect whether a car seat should be rear- or front-facing include:
•The child’s age
•The car’s seating configuration
•The child’s size
•The child’s head shape
•If the child is using a harnessed restraint
When choosing a car seat, it is important to consider both the vehicle’s seating configuration and the child’s size. If a car seat can be installed in either forward-facing or rear-facing mode, select the mode that best fits your specific needs. Younger children usually fit better in rear-facing seats, while larger infants and toddlers may need a front-facing seat until they reach maximum weight or height limits for their car seat. Children who use harnesses should always be in a forward-faced seat for safety reasons. Your vehicle manufacturer will have specific instructions on how to install your car seat in this mode. When shopping for a new carseat, make sure to compare sizes and features of different models to find one that fits your family well. A good way to figure out whether your current carseat is still compliant is to access NHTSA’s “Car Seat Buyers Guide” at www.nhtsa.gov/crs/index.
How To Check If Your Car Seat Is Rear Facing
There are many things to consider when purchasing a car seat for your child, but one of the most important is whether the seat will be facing front or rear. Many parents are not familiar with this decision and may not know whether their car seat is facing front or back.
To check if your car seat is facing front or rear, first determine where your child’s shoulder should sit in relation to the vehicle’s center line. If the shoulder sits closer to the car’s side than its center line, your child’s car seat should be facing forward. If the shoulder sits further from the car’s side, the seat should be facing rearward.
If you have an older child who needs a booster seat, there are specific guidelines you should follow. Your booster should face forward until your child reaches at least 8 years old and weighs at least 40 pounds. After that age and weight threshold is reached, your booster should face backward until reaching 70 inches in height or higher.