When to use a forward facing car seat?!

Question

When can I turn the car seat forward facing ?! Is it by age or weight ?! I have no idea… lol help 😂

Answer

The best practice (from a safety standpoint) is to keep them rear facing until they max out the upper rear facing height or weight limit of their seat. Chances are they will max out one before the other, but once one limit is maxed out the seat is no longer safe rear facing. 
Until a child’s vertebrae have fully matured they are at risk of internal decapitation; this is when the spinal cord is severed inside the body, resulting in either paralysis or death. The maturation and ossification of the vertebrae is something that happens with AGE, not with SIZE, which is why extended rear facing (rear facing for as long as possible rather than just until age 2) is so important. Quoting from csftl.org:
“Toddlers are not just small adults; their bodies are still developing and those developmental changes make them more vulnerable than an adult. A toddler’s vertebrae are connected via cartilage rather than ossified bone. Those connections are called synchondroses, which are slowly closing over time. There are three major points of ossification, each with two synchondroses. According to a study published in the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, the first station to close is the C3, second is the axis, and third is the atlas. The results of the study show:
🔴 50% probability that the primary closure of the C3 is complete at age 2 and the secondary at age 3.
🟠 50% probability that the primary closure of the axis is complete at age 5 and the secondary at age 6.
🟡 50% probability that the primary closure of the atlas is complete at age 7 and the secondary at age 8 (Yoganandan, Pintar, Lew, Rao & Rangarajan, 2011).

This image to the right shows the cervical (top), thoracic (middle), and lumbar (bottom) vertebrae of a one year old (left, each photo) and six year old (right, each photo). Note the easily visible synchondroses in each.
These findings show that before age two, none of the cartilaginous spaces have completed ossification. Those pieces of cartilage have the ability to stretch up to two inches. Yet only 1/4″ stretch is enough to rupture the spinal column, resulting in paralysis or death  (McCall, Fassett & Brockmeyer 2004).”
What this means is that a child’s vertebrae do not finish fully ossifying until ages 8-9 years old, no matter how “big for their age” they are. In fact, a child that is large for their age is actually at a higher risk forward facing than a smaller child of the same age because their head is a larger percentage of their overall weight and will exert more force on their neck in a forward facing collision. Statistics show that riders of ANY age (even adults) are safer riding rear facing. 
Many parents cite concerns of their child being “too cramped” in a rear facing car seat once their feet touch the seat back in front of them and their legs are required to bend when seated. Statistically, there are more leg and hip injuries reported in children who are FORWARD FACING because their legs swing up and hit the back of the front seats in a frontal collision. In contrast, in a rear facing frontal impact all of the momentum is absorbed into the back of the car seat rather than between their legs and the seat back in front of them. 
My oldest (boy) is 5 and is still rear facing comfortably in a Graco Extend2Fit (50lb rear facing limit.) Youngest (girl) is 3 and rear facing in a Graco 4Ever. Photos taken 5/27/21.

Answer

Yes by your state law there would be a MINIMUM requirement. Most states are age 2. BUT that is BARE minimum. All car seat manufacturers, NHTSA, and AAP say not to face forward until the MAX height and or weight has been reached for REAR facing. Most convertible care seats have a max rear facing weight of 40-50lbs. Don’t switch before the max limit just cause of convenience. That’s not putting a childs safety as #1 priority in the car. 
NEVER go by what a pedi says regarding car seat information, as they are not properly educated. Always a CPST. 
Rear facing by FAR is the safest option for a child until the max limits have been reached.

Answer

state laws and maxing out height or weight. it’s safest to stay rear facing as long as you can.

Answer

Look up the regulations for your area. With my oldest I turned him at two and the pediatrician was surprised I turned him so late. I see people with their kids rear facing until 5 though.

Answer

My state is they have to RF at least until 2 and/or maxing out their car seat which ours is at i think 35lbs

Answer

There are state laws that dictate it, in addition to 
 height and weight requirements! Google car seat laws and your state for more info. Also be sure to check that specs for your car seat to be sure your baby is big enough

Answer

Get off Glow app
Unlock car
Look at both bottom sides of the car seat for a label
Read label
Labels will tell for that specific seat what they recommend.
Then lock car
Go inside
Get on google
Look for your states car seat laws
Done.
Example of why you need both: my diono says front facing at 20lbs. I doubt a 20lb child is going to be 2 (the law) so I need to go by the law, not the seat in this case.

When to use a forward facing car seat?!

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