As parents, we are constantly looking for ways to protect our children. That’s why it can be so devastating when something goes wrong and we can’t save our little ones. One of the most common things that can happen is a car crash, and in those crashes, car seats are often the first thing to come into contact with the child. If you have a car seat that can be turned facing forward, you may be wondering when you can finally turn it that way. The answer is surprisingly simple—usually, you can turn it as needed to protect your child in a crash. However, there are a few situations where you may not be able to do so. In those cases, read on to learn more about when you should and shouldn’t turn your car seat facing forward.
When to turn a baby’s car seat facing forward
When to turn a baby’s car seat facing forward
Parents should turn their baby’s car seat facing forward as soon as they can begin to sit up unassisted. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children be seated in their car seats no later than 12 months old and preferably by 6 months old. However, the AAP notes that children may be able to sit in their car seats for longer periods of time if they are restrained by a harness or using a booster seat. Parents should also check with their vehicle manufacturer about specific age recommendations for their particular make and model of car.
What to do if your baby doesn’t want to face forward
If your baby does not want to face forward in their car seat, there are a few things you can do. You can try to rock them to sleep, sing to them, or give them a pacifier. If those methods don’t work, you may need to take your baby out of the car seat and place them in a crib or bassinet facing away from the front of the car.
What if your baby is too big for a forward-facing car seat?
If your baby is too big for a forward-facing car seat, you may need to turn the car seat around so that it is facing backward. This will help keep your baby safe while traveling in the car. You should also make sure that the car seat is properly adjusted to fit your baby’s size and weight.
Conclusion
When can you turn a baby’s car seat facing forward? As soon as the child can sit up on their own and is strong enough to hold their head up, it is safe to turn their car seat so that the child faces forward. You may want to wait until your child is a little older or has reached a certain developmental milestone before doing this, in order to make sure they are comfortable with the change.