When you’re shopping for a car seat, it’s important to get one that will fit your child properly. But what about when your baby starts facing forward? When Can Babies Face Front In Car Seat? Most car seats go from facing backwards to facing forwards when babies reach around 18 months old. However, some car seats (like the Chicco KeyFit 30) are designed to face front from the beginning. It’s important to read the car seat manufacturer’s instructions to make sure that’s what you choose.
When do babies face front in a car seat?
Babies should face forward in a car seat as soon as they can sit upright, which is typically around 18 to 24 months old. When facing forward, their heads and necks are protected in a vertical position in the car seat, and they stay safer in the event of a crash. If your baby is too young or unwilling to sit up straight in their car seat, you can place a blanket or towel between their back and the car seat for support.
The benefits of facing babies front in car seats
There are many benefits to babies facing front in car seats, including a reduced risk of injury in a crash. Experts recommend that children be placed in rear-facing car seats until they reach the height and weight limit for their seat, which is typically around 50 pounds for most infant car seats. Once your child outgrows his or her rear-facing car seat, it’s important to transition them to a forward-facing car seat. Doing so can reduce the risk of head and neck injuries in a crash by up to 90 percent. Here are some other advantages of using a front-facing car seat:
Babies face away from the road, reducing their chances of being struck by debris or another vehicle.
Babies face forward, providing better visibility and protection from wind and sun exposure.
Babies sit closer to the seat belt circle, increasing their safety in case of a collision.
What to do if your baby is not facing front in their car seat
If your baby is not facing front in their car seat, there are a few things you can do to help ensure their safety. Firstly, make sure the car seat is correctly fitted and positioned in the vehicle. If the car seat isn’t properly adjusted, it can cause problems with the positioning of the straps and could result in your baby’s head being pulled forward too far or their body being pushed backwards. Secondly, try moving the baby’s car seat around until they are facing front. If this still doesn’t work, you may need to switch to a different carseat.
Conclusion
When can babies face front in a car seat? Most experts recommend that babies should be placed rear-facing until they are at least two years old, and then switch to a forward-facing position when their head is above the height of the sun visor and their shoulders are below the top of the car seat. However, some babies may be ready for facing front sooner if they have healthy bones and muscles and good neck alignment. Talk with your pediatrician about when your baby is ready to face front in a car seat.