Putting a baby in a car seat for the first time can be a terrifying experience. Not only are you putting your child in danger, but you may also be putting their safety at risk by not properly installing the car seat. Here are four signs that your car seat should be facing forward: The weight limit on the car seat corresponds to the weight of the child inside it. The shoulder straps are tightened to the maximum shoulder strap width setting. The base of the car seat meets or exceeds the vehicle’s safety standards. The expiration date has not passed.
How to Choose the Right Baby Car Seat
When choosing a baby car seat, you’ll want to consider the weight and height of your child as well as the car’s safety features. Generally, baby car seats that face forward are more secure for infants, but they’re not always the most comfortable for toddlers.
To find a car seat that’s perfect for your family, take these tips into consideration:
-Weight: Car seats that are lightweight can be easier to transport. However, make sure that the weight of the car seat is compatible with the weight of your vehicle.
-Height: Car seats that are lower to the ground can keep your infant safer in a crash, but they may not be comfortable for toddlers who need plenty of legroom. Consider whether your toddler will be able to reach all of the controls and devices on a standard car seat.
-Safety Features: Look for models that have been approved by NHTSA or CARB (the California Air Resources Board). These seats typically have enhanced safety features such as side impact protection and tether straps that keep babies secure in a crash.
When Do Baby Car Seats Face Forward?
Your baby’s car seat should face forward in a rear-facing position until your child is at least 1 year old and 8 pounds, 19 inches tall. After that, your child can face any direction she chooses. You can switch to a front-facing car seat if you’re confident your child will always ride in the backseat of the car with a booster seat or belt installed.
Pros and Cons of Baby Car Seats that Face Forward
Widespread public concern about the safety of baby car seats has led to a number of forward-facing car seat options on the market. However, these seats have their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Pros of Baby Car Seats That Face Forward
Some parents find that forward-facing car seats are more comfortable for their child than backward-facing seats. Forward-facing seats keep the child’s head and shoulders close to the vehicle’s dashboard, which is thought to reduce the risk of injury in a crash.
Another advantage of forward-facing seats is that they provide better coverage for the child in case of a frontal impact. This is because the upper body and head are positioned closer to the front wheel than in a rear-facing seat. Rearward facing seats place the child’s head at or near the height of the car’s cabin, making it more likely that he or she will be injured in a crash if an airbag deploys. Rearward-facing car seats are not recommended for infants younger than 1 year old.
Cons of Baby Car Seats That Face Forward
Forward-facing seats can cause neck and spine problems in older children if they are not properly fitted and used. Mandated use of standard shoulder belts can also be problematic, as they can create pressure on the neck and chest, leading to discomfort or pain. Some parents find that using a harness instead of a standard belt allows them to install and use a forward-facing seat with
Conclusion
When do baby car seats face forward? Most brands recommend that baby car seats face forward as soon as the child can sit unassisted in the seat, usually at about 12 months old. This is because the infant’s head and spine are growing rapidly during this stage and they need to be positioned correctly for their development.