Many parents wonder when it is safe to have their baby face forward in the car seat. Choosing the right time to switch your baby from a rear-facing to forward-facing car seat is an important decision that can impact safety. This article will provide a quick overview of car seat recommendations and requirements, discuss the safety benefits of extended rear-facing, and give guidance on when most experts recommend making the switch to forward-facing.
Quick Overview of Car Seat Guidelines
Here are some key points on current best practice recommendations and requirements for car seats:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants and toddlers remain rear-facing until at least 2 years of age. Many experts advise extended rear-facing past age 2 for optimal safety.
- Most convertible car seats have limits that allow children to remain rear-facing up to 40-50 pounds or more. This allows most children to stay rear-facing past age 2.
- State laws vary, but generally require children to remain in a rear-facing seat until at least 1 year and 20-40 pounds.
- Once children outgrow the rear-facing weight or height limits for their convertible seat, they can be transitioned to forward-facing with a harness until exceeding the forward-facing limits, usually around 40-65 pounds depending on the seat.
- Most experts recommend staying in a 5-point harness as long as possible before transitioning to a high-back booster seat when the harness is outgrown.
Safety Benefits of Extended Rear-facing
Why do best practice recommendations advise children to stay rear-facing to age 2 or beyond? What are the safety benefits?
Young children have large heads relative to their bodies and underdeveloped neck muscles. In a crash, rear-facing seats cradle the head, neck and spine and distribute crash forces over the entire body. This reduces the likelihood of spine and neck injury. Forward-facing seats do not provide the same protection, as crash forces can put increased strain on the fragile neck and spine.
Studies show rear-facing seats significantly reduce the risk of injury in crashes compared to forward-facing seats. One study found children under age 2 were 75% less likely to be killed or severely injured rear-facing. Young children facing forward are more vulnerable to head, neck, and spinal cord injury.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “every month of age provides increased protection for your child.” While many state laws only require rear-facing to 1 year old, keeping children rear-facing to age 2 or beyond provides enhanced safety. Convertible seats with higher rear-facing limits allow most children to remain rear-facing past their 2nd birthday.
When Can Most Babies Turn Forward-Facing?
So when is it generally safe for a baby to switch to forward-facing? Here are some guidelines from safety experts:
- Minimum of 1 year old AND 20-40 pounds: This is the minimum requirement in most U.S. states. However, meeting only the minimum requirement provides far less protection than extending rear-facing longer.
- Age 2 or older: The American Academy of Pediatrics states children should remain rear-facing “as long as possible.” They recommend rear-facing to at least age 2 for optimal safety.
- Outgrown rear-facing height/weight limits: When children reach the maximum rear-facing height or weight limit for their convertible seat, then forward-facing can be considered.
- Able to sit upright unassisted: Babies should have adequate head/neck development and be able to sit upright without support before facing forward.
Many convertible seats have rear-facing limits accommodating average children well beyond 1 or 2 years old. While some especially large/tall children may outgrow rear-facing limits earlier, most can remain rear-facing to at least 2 years old. Parents should only turn babies forward-facing once they reach the maximum rear-facing size limits for their seat.
Choosing a Convertible Seat With Higher Rear-Facing Limits
To keep an infant rear-facing as long as possible, choose a convertible seat with higher rear-facing size limits. Here are rear-facing limits on popular convertible seats:
| Convertible Seat | Rear-Facing Weight Limit | Rear-Facing Height Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Chicco NextFit Zip Max | 50 lbs | 49 in |
| Graco Extend2Fit | 50 lbs | 49 in |
| Britax Boulevard ClickTight | 40 lbs | 49 in |
| Nuna Rava | 50 lbs | 49 in |
As you can see, most top-rated convertible seats allow children to remain rear-facing to at least 40-50 lbs and 49 inches. This accommodates rear-facing past age 2 for most children. The Chicco NextFit Zip Max and Graco Extend2Fit have the highest rear-facing limits.
Tips for Transitioning Baby to Forward-Facing
Once your child outgrows the rear-facing size limits for their seat, follow these tips for a smooth transition to forward-facing:
- Gradually acclimate your child. Take short trips forward-facing at first before longer drives.
- Place the seat at the correct angle so your child’s head does not slump forward when sleeping.
- Use the tether strap for extra anchoring and stability when forward-facing.
- Entertain your child with toys/mirrors if they get fussy no longer seeing you in the rear view.
- Never rush the transition. Wait until your child is at or above the manufacturer’s recommended weight/height limits before flipping the seat forward-facing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to have an infant facing forward?
Most U.S. states require infants to remain rear-facing until at least 1 year old and 20-40 pounds. So yes, it is illegal in most states to put an infant less than 1 year old forward-facing even if they meet the minimum weight limit. To follow best practice recommendations, children should remain rear-facing as close to age 2 as possible.
What if my baby’s feet touch the vehicle seat rear-facing? Do they need more leg room?
It is perfectly safe and normal for rear-facing babies’ feet and legs to make contact with the vehicle seat back. Their legs naturally curl up. Forward-facing leg room is not a factor in when to make the switch. The decision should be based on reaching maximum height/weight limits rear-facing, not leg room.
What if my baby resists facing forward and fusses? Should I flip the seat?
It is common for babies accustomed to rear-facing to resist facing forward at first. But fussiness is not a sign your child is ready to flip the seat. The decision should be based on your convertible seat’s rear-facing limits, not behavior. Take gradual steps to acclimate your baby to facing forward when you do decide to make the switch.
My baby has good head/neck control and can sit unassisted. Can she face forward before age 2?
Babies do need good head/neck development and ability to sit upright before facing forward. But meeting these milestones alone does not mean a baby is ready before age 2. Muscle strength remains underdeveloped, and the spine and neck remain vulnerable. Follow the rear-facing size limits, not just developmental milestones.
What if my baby exceeds weight/height limits before age 1? Do I really need to buy another seat?
Premature outgrowing of rear-facing limits before 1 year old is uncommon. But if this occurs, it is recommended to purchase an additional seat with higher rear-facing limits to keep the baby rear-facing up to age 2. Check that the seat fits properly in your car first.
Conclusion
While many states only require infants to remain rear-facing to 1 year and 20-40 pounds, current best practice is to keep babies rear-facing as close to age 2 as possible. Extended rear-facing significantly reduces the risk of head, neck and spinal injury in a crash. When children reach the maximum rear-facing height and weight for their convertible seat, it is generally safe to make the switch to forward-facing.
Choosing a convertible seat with higher rear-facing limits allows for extended rear-facing. Take the transition gradually. And resist pressure to flip your baby based on factors like leg room or fussiness. Remaining rear-facing to age 2 offers your child the best safety possible.