When Can I Move My Baby Into A Forward-facing Seat?
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Written by Lynda CranstonOnce your baby has outgrown her rear-facing infant car seat, you should continue to use a rear-facing convertible (infant/child) car seat until she no longer fits the height and weight limits. Many car seats today have a height and weight limit that allows children to ride rear facing until two, three or even four years old. Check your car seat manual and labels for the height and weight limits for your seat. Rear facing is safest for babies and young children. Advertisement | page continues below All babies start off in a rear-facing car seat. Babies and young children have large heads and weak necks. In a crash, everything moves toward the point of impact. The most severe crashes are front-end collisions. A rear-facing seat provides more protection in a sudden stop or collision because the child’s head, neck and spine are supported by the seat. Transport Canada recommends that you keep your baby rear facing as long as possible according to your car seat’s height and weight limits. A baby or toddler has a higher risk of injury to their spinal cord if they are turned forward too soon. Helpful tips: It’s fine if your baby’s feet touch the back seat. She can bend her knees or stick her legs straight up. For a convertible seat that can be used both rear and forward facing, be sure to use the correct belt path when installing the seat in your vehicle. The rear-facing belt path is the one closest to your baby’s legs. When riding rear facing, the harness should be in the shoulder slot, level with or below your baby’s shoulders. Check that the harness is snug – with the chest clip level with her armpits. Advertisement | page continues below So when can my toddler turn forward facing? Your child should continue to ride rear facing for as long as she still fits her seat’s height and weight limits. Check the instructions for your seat to find out if your child meets the minimum requirements before using the seat forward facing. Every seat is different. There may be an age minimum, a height and weight minimum, or even a developmental milestone (i.e., child must be walking sturdily) that must be met. You should also consult the laws for your province or territory. VIDEOWas this article helpful?
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Lynda CranstonLynda has been a health and medical writer for 20-plus years. She has extensive experience in re-framing and streamlining complex medical information so it is easily digestible and actionable for family physicians, patients, and consumers. Opens a new window Opens a new window Opens a new windowWhere to go next
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