When it comes to car seats, most parents are faced with a difficult decision: Should my baby go front facing or back facing? The answer to this question is actually quite simple, but it can be confusing nonetheless. In this blog post, we will give you the 411 on when baby should go front facing in car seats and why. We will also provide some helpful tips for making the switch and avoiding any common car seat mistakes.
Why Should You Go Front Facing?
There are many benefits to babies facing forward in car seats, including increased safety. Here are 5 reasons why you should start your baby front facing as soon as possible:
1. Increased Safety : Babies who face forward in a car seat are more likely to be safe than those who face backwards. When a car crashes, the force of the impact is evenly distributed across the car’s occupants. However, if a baby is facing backwards, their head and body will absorbs more of the force of the crash. Forward-facing cars also give babies better visibility and protection from debris or other vehicles.
2. Improved Development : A baby’s brain and spine continue to develop until about age 2, so exposing them to optimal development conditions from an early age is important for their long term health and wellbeing. By starting your baby front facing in a car seat, you’re helping them learn how to move safely in all directions, sit up properly, ride in a stroller and much more!
3. Greater Comfort : One of the most common complaints parents have about their infant’s car seat is that it’s too tight or uncomfortable. Baby’s natural movements will gradually move them into a proper seated position without any discomfort – but it’ll go faster if they’re facing forward instead of back!
4. Reduced Risk Of SIDS And Other Deaths In Infants : According to The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), “car seats that properly support infants reduce the risk of
The Different Types of Car Seats
Types of Car Seats:
There are a variety of car seats available on the market today. Some car seats are designed for children as young as 6 months old, while others are only for children up to 12 years old. Here is a brief overview of the different types of car seats and when they may be appropriate:
• Front-facing car seat: This type of car seat is typically recommended for babies who are between 4 and 7 months old. Children should remain in a front-facing car seat until they reach their height or weight limit, which is typically around 18 or 24 months old.
• Rear-facing car seat: A rear-facing car seat is typically recommended for children who are between 1 and 2 years old, but can be used until the child reaches his or her height or weight limit. Rear-facing seats allow infants to ride facing backwards in a more comfortable position. Your child should remain in a rear-facing seat until he or she reaches at least age 16 months, but preferably until he or she reaches age 2 years.
Car Seat Checklist for Going Front Facing
Before your baby can travel in a car seat, she must pass a car seat check. You’ll need to have your child’s weight, height and age along with the car seat’s manufacturer information to complete the check. Here is a checklist of some things you’ll need to check when traveling with your new front-facing baby:
1) Are your child’s shoulder straps properly adjusted?
2) Is the harness snug but nottoo tight?
3) Are the headrests securely fastened in place?
4) Is the padding on the base of the seat comfortable and supportive?
5) Is there enough room behind the seats for your child’s belongings?
6) Does the car seat fit in your vehicle properly (including width from side to side)?
How to Go Front Facing in Your Baby’s Car Seat
When it comes to car seats, most people think of the rear-facing position. But what about front facing? Here’s everything you need to know about front facing in a car seat.
Front-facing car seats are especially important for babies who are as yet unsupported by their necks. By placing your baby in a front-facing car seat, you provide support for their entire head and neck. This reduces the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.
To switch a baby from a rear-facing car seat to a front-facing one, follow these simple steps:
1) Locate your child’s latch system and unhook it. You may need to use a new bolt if your child’s old one is too small or damaged. If your child doesn’t have a latch system, consult your vehicle owner’s manual on how to install one.
2) Remove the infant restraint from the base of the car seat and set it aside. Your child will now be sitting in an empty carrier shell.
3) Insert your baby into the carrier shell so that their chest is against the padding and close the straps around their waist and shoulders. You can optionally secure the straps at the shoulder with an adjuster if needed. Make sure that their legs are dangling free of any obstructions (like pet hair).
4) Place the carrier onto your back and insert both bolts into corresponding holes
When to Take Your Baby Out of His or Her Car Seat
When to take your baby out of his or her car seat:
There is no one answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the age, weight and size of your baby. However, generally speaking, most babies should be able to sit in their car seats without support between the ages of 6 and 12 months. After that age, you may need to start using a booster seat.