When Should Babies Face Forward in Car Seats?
It is important to ensure that our little ones are safe in car seats when travelling in any vehicle, so it is important for parents to know when a baby should face forward instead of recline in a rear-facing position.
When is the Right Time to Switch?
Babies should remain in a rear-facing position in their car seat until they reach the following milestones:
- Weight: At least 20 pounds and no more than 40 pounds.
- Age: At least one year old (12 months).
- Height: At least one year old and two feet tall.
It is usually recommended that a child remains in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight and height recommendations, as they are more likely to survive a crash while in this position.
Facing Forward When The Time is Right
Once a baby has reached the recommended weight and height, it is time to switch to a forward-facing car seat. The buckle and straps should be adjusted so that the baby is securely held in place and the harness straps should be positioned at or below the child’s shoulders.
It is important to also note that infants and toddlers should always remain in the back seat of the car to reduce the risk of being injured in the event of a crash or sudden stop.
Careful Consideration is Key
It is important to ensure that proper care and consideration is taken when determining when the best time to switch a baby from rear-facing to forward-facing in a car seat. Following the recommended weight, age and height guidelines provides the best protection and reduces the risk of injury.
Remember, safety should always be your first priority!
When is it safe for babies to face forward in a car seat?
It is recommended that babies stay in a rear-facing car seat until they reach both the height and weight limits specified by the car seat’s manufacturer. This usually means that babies should remain in a rear-facing car seat until at least 1 year of age and 20 pounds. It is safest for babies to remain rear-facing for as long as possible, preferably until they reach the upper height and weight limits of their car seat.
