When it comes to car seats, most of us are familiar with the typical positions: forward-facing for infants, rear-facing for toddlers, and then seat-belted for adults. But what about those parents who have a toddler who is too big for a rear-facing car seat? What about those parents who want to keep their child as safe as possible but don’t have the room in their car? In this post, we will explore when you can turn your toddler’s car seat around. We will also discuss some potential risks and how to mitigate them. Read on to learn everything you need to know before making that decision!
Reasons to turn a car seat around
Before your toddler can sit up, they will need to be restrained in a car seat. When the time is right, you may want to turn their car seat around so that their head and torso are facing forward, instead of backward. There are several reasons why you might choose to turn a car seat around:
-If your toddler isn’t using the car seat properly, turning it around may help them use it more effectively.
-If your toddler has problems with neck or spine alignment, turning the car seat around may help them stay safer in the event of a crash.
-Some pediatricians believe that children learn better when their heads are pointing forward.
How to turn a car seat around
When is it safe to turn a car seat around?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in their rear-facing car seats until they are 2 years old and weigh at least 20 pounds. Once your child has reached those milestones, it’s safe to turn their car seat around.
When should you not turn a car seat around
If your child is older than one year old, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you do not turn your child’s car seat around. The risk of suffocation from a child who is turned around suddenly is high. If you do turn your child around, make sure to gradually reduce the time for each rotation until your child is sitting upright in the seat without being held by the straps.
Conclusion
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the car seat brand and model you are using, your toddler’s weight and height, and the age of your child. Generally speaking, most car seats should be turned around between 12 months and 2 years old. If you have any questions about when to turn your toddler’s car seat around, be sure to ask your car seat manufacturer or consult with an expert.