When you’re a parent, it’s important to always be vigilant when it comes to your child’s safety. That includes making sure they’re always safe while in the car. But what if your child is not safe even when they’re wearing their car seat? That’s where forward-facing car seats come in. Forward-facing car seats are designed to keep your child as safe as possible in a collision, even if they are not properly restrained in their car seat. In this blog post, we will explore when you can face forward in a car seat and why it’s so important. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best forward-facing car seat for your family.
When to use a car seat
When to use a car seat
A car seat should be used as soon as it is available, even if you are only using it for short trips. If your child is more than 12 months old and weighs more than 20 pounds, they should be in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least four years old and less than 44 inches tall. A forward-facing car seat can be used from when your child is approximately two years old until they reach the height and weight limit of their car seat.
Types of car seats
There are a few different types of car seats that can be used for infants and children. Each type of car seat has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your child.
The three most common types of car seats are convertible car seats, forward-facing car seats, and booster seats.
A convertible car seat can be converted from a rear-facing to a forward-facing position. This is great if you’re unsure which position your child will be safest in.
A forward-facing car seat is best for babies who are less than 12 months old or who have reached the weight limit for their rear-facing carseat. These seats fit children up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) and should only be used in cars with lap belts.
Booster seats are designed to help children grow into their car seat. They work best if your child is between 1 and 4 years old and weighs between 25 and 50 pounds (11 and 23 kilograms).
When to face forward in a car seat
There is no definitive answer to whether or not you should always face forward in a car seat. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you make an informed decision.
When to face forward in a car seat:
-If your child fits properly in the car seat and their head, shoulders, and hips are evenly positioned in the harness, facing forward is generally safe. However, if your child falls asleep or experiences discomfort in the backseat facing backwards, it’s often safer for them to face forwards.
-If your child is over 2 years old and has outgrown their infant car seat, they can usually sit facing forwards in a standard safety belt when travelling in the passenger seat of a vehicle. If your child is under 2 years old and is using an infant car seat or toddler booster, they should always face backwards until they are at least 4 years old and taller than 40 inches.
Carseat combinations
Looking for a carseat that will let you face forward in the seat? Here are some combinations to consider.
Forward-Facing Car Seat and Stroller
If you want to be able to face forward in your carseat, the safest option is to use a forward-facing carseat and a convertible stroller. Both pieces must meet federal safety requirements, so make sure to check before buying. A convertible stroller can be used as a regular stroller or turned into a car seat with the addition of a second set of wheels. Some models even have an extra canopy that can be used as a sun shield for your baby when facing forward in the seat.
Conclusion
When can you face forward in a car seat? This is a question that many parents are asking themselves these days, as there are growing concerns over the dangers of rear-facing car seats. As we’ve discussed in this article, research has shown that children who use car seats that allow them to face forward have a lower risk of developing serious injuries in crashes. While it’s still important to keep your child safe by using a rear-facing car seat, it may be safer for them to face forward in some cases. So when should you switch your child to a facing-forward car seat? Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any decisions.