When you’re shopping for a car seat, it may seem like there are an infinite number of choices available to you. But before you buy anything, make sure to check the forward-facing requirements of your vehicle. Many parents mistakenly believe that a car seat that’s designated for rear-facing use will also work for forward-facing passengers. But this is not always the case, and in some cases, forward-facing car seats may not even fit in a child’s car seat base due to their size. When in doubt, always consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer of your car seat to find out whether or not it can be used in a forward-facing position. In some cases, you may even be able to trade in your old rear-facing car seat for a more appropriate forward-facing model. Stay safe and informed when shopping for car seats!
When to forward a car seat
When to forward a car seat
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to forward a car seat. The following are some general guidelines:
If the car seat is more than six months old and the child has outgrown it, you can usually no longer use it.
If your child is six months old or younger, there’s not much you can do to move the seat other than remove it from the vehicle.
To forward a car seat, follow these steps:
1. Remove the child from the car seat.
2. Check that there’s enough room in your vehicle for the car seat and all of its attachments (straps and brackets). If there isn’t, you may need to remove one or more pieces of furniture in order to make room.
3. Attach the car seat according to manufacturer instructions.
4. Secure any loose straps with brackets or clasps.
5. Route all attachments behind/underneath/around any seats in your vehicle. You may also need to remove a center console or console cover in order to do this properly.
6. Put the carseat into a large container (such as a UPS box) and secure it with packing tape or heavy-duty packaging tape so that it doesn’t move around during shipping. Make sure you write down your tail number and contact information for the shipping company so that they can return the carseat if it
How to forward a car seat
When you are ready to forward your car seat, there are a few things you need to know.
The first thing is that the process varies depending on which car seat you are forwarding.
For example, if you are forwarding a convertible car seat, you will need to remove the shoulder straps and turn it around so that the headrest is facing backwards. Then you will need to reattach the straps in reverse order.
If you are forwarding an infant car seat, all of the parts including the harnesses and buckles will remain attached. You will just need to remove the flap that covers the child’s head and chest.
Once you have removed all of the components, you will need to place them in an envelope or box. Make sure that everything is labeled with information such as make, model, year, and color of car seat.
Then take your envelope or box to your local transfer station where they can dispose of it properly.
What to do if your car seat is too small
If you’re using a forward-facing car seat for a child who is younger than 1 year old, the seat must be at least 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. If your car seat doesn’t meet these requirements, you can forward-face the child in a booster seat or in an adult seat belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children be rear-facing until they are 1 year old and that they stay rear-facing until they are 4 years old.
What to do if your car seat is too big
If you’re certain your car seat is too big, there are a few things you can do to make it fit.
1. Remove the excess fabric. If the car seat has extra fabric around the edges, remove it so that the car seat fits more snugly against your vehicle’s interior.
2. Use a belt extender. If your car doesn’t have a lot of space between the seat and the door, try using an extender belt to make up for it. You can find these at most convenience stores or online retailers.
3. Try a different car seat. Many parents find that switching to a different car seat solves their problem of too-big seats.
When to stop forwarding a car seat
Forwarding a car seat is one way to keep your child safe while traveling. However, there are certain times when you should stop forwarding the car seat. Here are four guidelines:
1. When your child reaches the age of two and a half months old or can sit up unassisted in a high chair.
2. When your child reaches the age of five years old or can sit in a booster seat without support.
3. When you no longer need the extra safety features of the car seat, such as crash protection or harnesses for infants that are too large for it.
4. When you have received instructions from the manufacturer about how to properly fold and store the car seat.