Many parents aren't sure when it'south safety to switch their child'southward rear-facing motorcar seat to the forward-facing position. Expert organizations used to say information technology was fine to turn your child's automobile seat around when she turned 2. But the recommendations have changed in recent years.

At present, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the vast majority of children stay rear-facing as long as possible, even subsequently turning 2, and parents shouldn't make the switch based on age. The biggest reason? Rear-facing car seats are better at protecting the caput, neck and spine in the outcome of a crash.

Here's why information technology'south worth property off on turning your child'southward car seat effectually and how to tell when she's ready to face up forward.

When should yous plow your child'south motorcar seat effectually?

Rear-facing vs. forward-facing car seats: What's the departure?

First, some groundwork on rear-facing and forward-facing seats. Infants should always be in rear-facing automobile seats, and there are two types that are safe for the youngest children.

Many parents prefer to get-go with a rear-facing infant car seat because they're lightweight, portable and convenient. Rear-facing infant seats come up with a base plus a seat that clicks into place, then you can quickly accept the seat in and out. Infant machine seats also have handles that brand them like shooting fish in a barrel to carry when your babe is inside.

The downside? Your baby will outgrow an infant car seat well before she's ready to confront forward. Nearly rear-facing infant seats accept an upper weight limit betwixt 28 and 35 pounds and an upper meridian limit of 30 to 35 inches, depending on the model. One time your babe reaches the maximum peak or weight, whichever comes first, you lot'll need to upgrade: The next stride is a convertible machine seat that can start off being used in a rear-facing position and eventually face forward when your child is (much) bigger.

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Convertible seats tend to be heavy and bulky and are designed to stay put in your machine. The fact that yous can't easily tote them effectually is why many parents opt to starting time with a more convenient rear-facing baby seat.

Still, convertible seats are safe and adequate for infants, notes the AAP. And they can exist a good option for families who'd prefer not to have to somewhen buy a 2d car seat: Convertible seats can ofttimes exist used rear-facing until a child is betwixt twoscore and l pounds, and and so can face forward until a kid is 65 pounds or more.

When can a kid face forward in a auto seat?

You should keep your child in the rear-facing position for equally long equally possible. But instead of using age as a guideline, keep the following in listen:

  • When they reach either the weight or top limit.Your kid should stay rear-facing until she has striking the maximum top or weight for that position, says the AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Assistants (NHTSA). About rear-facing infant seats can suit children until they reach 28 to 35 pounds or 30 to 35 inches, but go along in mind that many children volition accomplish the maximum height before they do the maximum weight. In one case a kid outgrows a rear-facing babe seat, she tin switch to a convertible seat in a rear-facing position, which can often exist used until a child is between xl and fifty pounds. (The specific weight will depend on your automobile seat model.) Yous can observe your seat'southward height and weight limits on the tag or in the manufacturer instructions.
  • Not earlier age 2.Years ago, historic period two was considered the standard time to switch to the forward-facing position. Now, information technology's considered the absolute minimum, because well-nigh two-year-olds won't be adequately protected from a crash in a frontwards-facing seat. Rather than basing your switch on the calendar, do so only when your child reaches the maximum meridian or weight limit for the rear-facing position of her convertible seat. For many, this doesn't happen until age iii or 4.

Whatsoever child who has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for her convertible seat should utilize a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, upwards to the highest weight or top allowed by the machine seat manufacturer.

Why are rear-facing car seats safer for children?

Rear-facing is the safest position for babies and toddlers considering it offers the most protection in the event of a crash. That's why the AAP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NHTSA all say children should stay in a rear-facing seat for equally long every bit possible, not just until age 2.

Infants, toddlers and preschoolers have less mature bones and connective tissues that are at greater gamble for serious injury. Rear-facing seats act as a protective cradle — particularly for a baby or kid's fragile neck and spinal cord — in a serious accident. They give babies and young children more protection, and age alone isn't plenty to decide whether a child is physically adult enough to sit safely in a front-facing seat.

Car seat safe 101

Buckling your little one in becomes automated pretty fast, but information technology never hurts to brush upward on the basics. In add-on to keeping your piffling one rear-facing for as long as possible, always call back to:

  • Properly buckle her in. When buckling your child in, be mindful of any uneven or twisted straps (they could increment take chances of injury), brand sure the angle indicator is in a safe range for your infant'southward age and do a "pinch test" on the strap textile by your child's shoulder (if you can pinch information technology vertically, it's too loose and needs to be tightened).
  • Never leave a child unattended in or around a machine. Fifty-fifty if she'due south buckled in her car seat.
  • Only use motorcar seats for travel. Automobile seats should non be used for sleeping, eating or anything else. If your child falls asleep in her car seat, move her to a prophylactic sleep location once you're washed driving.
  • Children nether 13 should sit in the back seat. Never identify a rear-facing car seat in the front rider seat, since the airbag could injure your baby.
  • Read the manual. If you're unsure a seat is installed correctly or are having trouble, contact a local certified Kid Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for help.
  • Never employ a automobile seat that's damaged, expired or has an unknown history. These seats may not provide adequate protection in the consequence of a crash.