Carseat

I waited until my son was 15 mos. before I switched him to forward facing. I know they recommend one year and 20 pounds. My son didn't crest the 20 pound mark until 15 mos. (he's a small boy even though he was 8lbs. 4oz. at birth). I think my carseat weight limit for rear facing was 30 lbs. I thought about keeping him rear facing but he was getting to the point were he wanted to be able to look around more (and I knew I could turn him forward facing safely). Hope this helps.

I think the law states they have to be at LEAST 12mos old AND at least 20 lbs. Babies are the safest in the rear facing position. In Sweden they keep the kids rear facing until they are 2 years old! And I believe their injury and death rates for children under 2 is very low. some parents say that their kids are "happier" or that it is "easier" to have them forward facing- but you really need to decide what is right for your child.

We had a mirror that allowed our sons to see more from rear facing, and I could see them in my rear view mirror when I needed to check on them. my kids stayed rear facing past their first birthday. We take a lot of long trips, so we felt they were safer for highway travel if they stayed rear facing longer.

It's not that it's advisable at one, just that it is "okay", if they meet the height and weight requirements for the seat to be front facing.

It is safest for them to be rear facing as long as possible, and it's okay if their legs are longer. Our 19 month old is still rear facing and will continue to be for quite some time.

I couldn't wait to switch mine around - they were SOOOOO much happier when they could finally face forward.

I think it would depend on the baby's size and personality. My oldest son quickly outgrew the rear-facing position and I couldn't wait to face him forward. (We made the switch the day he turned one.) My second son is a little peanut and (typically) a very content baby. We waited awhile before making the switch. Because rear-facing is the safest option, I would recommend waiting as long as you can to switch the carseat forward. Good luck! :)

I have 3 children ages 4, 3 and 11 months. I moved my older two to forward facing just after a year because they were very long and they couldn't sit comfortably rear facing. I would say try to keep them rear facing as long as possible. There really is no rush to turn them around except for comfort. I hope that helps.

S.