When Does Baby Car Seat Face Forward
When you’re shopping for a baby car seat, one of the most important considerations is where your child will face when in the seat. Forward-facing seats are recommended for children under one year old, but what about older kids? This is a common question, and the answer can depend on a few factors. For example, if your child has outgrown their infant car seat weight or height limit, or if you plan to use the seat in a convertible car, then an older child may be able to face forward. If you’re not sure whether your child can face forward in their car seat, it’s always safest to err on the side of caution and go with a forward-facing seat. And remember: If your child reaches their one-year milestone by the time they’re ready to use a convertible car seat, all bets are off!
Baby Gear
Cribs, bassinets, and playpens come in all shapes and sizes, but the basic features are the same: They all attach to a crib or a wall and support a baby during sleep. Here’s a look at when some of these devices face forward.
A baby carrier typically attaches to your back and supports your baby facing you. Most carriers fit from about 8 to 32 pounds, so they work for both small and large babies. Some carriers have an adjustable strap that lets you customize the fit.
The best place to put your baby when he’s sleeping is on his back; this will help him develop good head-neck-back posture. If you’re breastfeeding, try to nurse your baby while he’s in the carrier so he gets exposure to your milk supply—this will encourage him to be colicky less frequently.
Once your baby starts rolling over, it’s time to move him into his own bed or crib. A lot of parents find that their babies sleep better if they’re placed in their own bed gradually over several weeks or months. Babies who are used to sleeping in their parents’ room usually transition easily into their own crib without any problems. However, there are exceptions: Some babies may be too young (less than one year old) or too restless for gradual transition; in those cases, it may be necessary to put them in their own crib from day one.
Car Seats
When does Baby Car Seat Face Forward?
If your baby is rear-facing in a car seat, the car seat should always face the front of the vehicle. A forward-facing car seat should only be used if your child is at least one year old and taller than 36 inches tall.
The Best Time to Rear-Face a Baby Seat
If you’re looking to rear-face your baby from birth, there’s no wrong answer — but there are different best times for each stage of development. Here’s when to do it:
0-4 months old: Rear-facing is the safest position for a baby this young.
4-8 months old: Rear-facing until around 8 months old is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for babies who have not yet reached their maximum head size. After that, the AAP recommends that babies ride in a forward-facing car seat until they reach 40 pounds or 12 inches tall, whichever comes first.
9-12 months old: Forward-facing until around 12 months old is recommended by the AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After that, most children are ready to move up to a convertible car seat or a booster seat.
When to turn a Baby Seat around
There is a lot of advice out there about when to turn a baby seat around, but the answer is usually different for each situation. Generally, it’s always safe to keep a baby facing forward in a rear-facing car seat until they reach at least one year old, or until their shoulder height reaches 32 inches. But there are some exceptions to this rule, so it’s important to always check with your car seat manufacturer or the experts at your child’s pediatrician.
Some parents choose to switch their baby from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing car seat as soon as their child reaches 10 pounds, even if their child hasn’t reached the height limit. Others wait until their child reaches 12 months old or beyond and then switch them over. It really depends on the individual situation and what safety concerns you have about leaving your baby unrestrained in a moving vehicle. The best way to figure out when is the right time for your particular family is by talking to other parents who have already experienced this stage in life with your little one and by consulting your car seat manufacturer’s instructions.
Conclusion
When does baby car seat face forward? This is a question parents ask from time to time and one that can be difficult to answer. There are a few factors to consider, including the weight of your child, the type of car seat you’re using, and your own seating habits. Ultimately, it’s important to consult with a qualified safety professional if you have any doubts about how facing forward might affect your baby’s safety.