Car seats have come a long way in recent years, with many parents choosing to install them facing backwards out of convenience. But is this really the safest option? When it comes to car seats, there are pros and cons to every position. But when it comes to the safety of your child, turning the car seat forward is always the best option. We’ll explain why in this blog post.
When to turn your car seat facing forward
Many parents are unsure when they can turn their car seat facing forward. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their safety guidelines in 2000 and continue to advise that children use a rear-facing car seat until they reach the height or weight limit for the seat, or age out of the car seat belt system. There are some specific times when you can turn your car seat facing forward.
If your child is less than one year old, remains in his or her infant car seat without using the harness, and does not exceed 50 pounds, you may turn your car seat facing forward as long as the headrest is fully reclined and located at least 10 inches from the child’s forehead.
If your child is between one year old and two years old and remains in his or her infant car seat without using the harness, you may turn your car seat facing forward as long as: The headrest is at least 2 inches higher than the child’s ears; it is located at least 4 inches from the child’s forehead; and it is placed in the center of the vehicle’s backseat.
The AAP recommends that children who are over two years old but under four years old remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 80 pounds or height/weight percentile equivalent for their age group, whichever comes first. Children between four years old and eight years old should use a convertible or forward-facingcarseat unless they demonstrate an increased risk for injury by doing so
What to do if your child is not comfortable facing forward
When you’re shopping for a car seat, it’s important to choose one that will fit your child comfortably. However, some children are not comfortable facing forward in their car seats. If this is the case with your child, you may want to consider turning the car seat facing backwards. This way, your child will be more comfortable and safe while travelling in the vehicle.
Tips for turning your car seat facing forward
If you’re having trouble sleeping in your car seat, turning it around may help. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that car seats should only be turned when the child is awake and able to move around freely in their seat. This means typically infants can turn their carseat facing forward as early as six months old and toddlers can do so by age two. There are a few things to keep in mind when turning your car seat:
– Make sure the harness is snug. Loosening the harness can allow your child to turn around more easily.
– Make sure the headrest is elevated so that your child’s head is not hanging down.
– Avoid using excessive force when turning the car seat; use just enough pressure to move it without jarring the child.
Conclusion
This is a question that often comes up when parents are considering whether they should turn their car seat facing forward or backward. Ultimately, it is best to consult with a doctor before making any changes to your child’s car seat, as the decision could be dangerous if not done correctly. However, by understanding when you can and cannot turn your car seat facing forward, hopefully you will have a little more information on which to base your decisions.