When can I put my baby's car seat forward facing?
A child safety seat is a device that attaches to the back of an automobile and provides protection for children in case of a collision. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants should be placed rear-facing until they are at least 1 year old or weigh 20 pounds, whichever comes first. This allows them to grow into their seats without being forced into an adult-sized seat belt. Rear-facing seats also protect against airbag deployment if your vehicle has one installed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be placed in a forward-facing seat until they are at least 2 years old or weigh 40 pounds, whichever comes first. This allows them to grow into their seats without being forced into an adult-sized seat belt. Forward facing car seats can also protect against airbag deployment if your vehicle has one installed and the child is properly restrained by age 4 (see below). The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using rearward facing infant carriers as substitutes for safety belts because infants have been known to fall out during collisions with vehicles traveling up to 30 miles per hour [1]. The AAP's recommendations on when babies may ride in front vs backseat: http://www.aapsonline.org/pediatrics_safety_briefs/carseats#backup
When can I put my baby's car seat rear facing?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that babies should remain rear-facing as long as possible because it protects their heads from injury during a crash and helps prevent injuries such as brain damage, spinal cord injury, and death due to suffocation when the head hits something hard inside the vehicle like the dashboard or windshield. The NHTSA also recommends that babies should remain rear-facing until they are at least one year old and weigh more than 20 pounds. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the same thing, but adds a few caveats: Babies who have outgrown their infant car seats can be safely used in forward facing positions as long as you follow these guidelines: The child's head must not touch anything inside the vehicle such as seat back or ceiling when it is placed in an upright position; Babies younger than 1 year old cannot sit up unassisted by themselves without falling over backwards; If your baby has been using his/her own seat belt for any length of time before turning 2 years old, he/she may no longer need to use a harness restraint system while riding backward because this practice could lead to improper development of neck muscles which would make him less likely able to hold himself up if needed during emergencies. When do I switch my newborn from rear-facing?
What is the difference between forward and rear facing car seats?
A child safety seat can be used in either a front-facing or rear-facing position, but it must always face the back of the vehicle. A forward-facing seat allows your baby to see out of the window while you drive, which may make them feel more secure. The seat should be used in the rear-facing position until your child is at least 1 year old and weighs more than 20 pounds. What are some of the benefits to using a car seat? A properly installed safety seat can help prevent serious injuries or death from collisions with other vehicles, objects on roadways, falls off curbs or stairs as well as being thrown out of moving cars. It also helps keep children safe while riding in an adult's lap (backless booster seats) by keeping them away from their heads when they lean forward too far for comfort during long trips. What do I need to know about installing my new carseat correctly? The first step is always making sure that you have purchased a certified model approved for use in your vehicle; this will ensure it meets all federal standards set forth by NHTSA . Next make sure that you follow manufacturer instructions regarding installation procedures which may vary slightly depending upon whether it was designed specifically for front facing , side impact protection , backless boosters.
How do I know if my child is ready to face forward in their car seat?
When a baby reaches the age of 1 year, they are typically able to sit up on their own and can hold their head steady while sitting upright. They should also be able to support their weight with both hands when sitting upright. If your child has reached these milestones, it's safe for them to face forward in their car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be able to sit up on their own and hold their head steady for at least a year.
What are some safety concerns when putting a baby's car seat forward facing? There are many risks associated with placing a baby's car seat in front of them including: increased risk of injury from airbag deployment, increased risk of injury from impact during an accident, decreased protection against side impacts, and increased risk of death due to spinal cord injuries or brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. Another concern is that the baby's head may be too large for their seat, causing them to slide forward and potentially injure themselves.
What are some safety concerns when putting a baby's car seat rear facing?
There are many risks associated with placing a baby's car seat in the back of them including: increased risk of injury from airbag deployment, decreased protection against side impacts, and increased risk of death due to spinal cord injuries or brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be placed in a rear facing car seat until they reach the following ages: 2 years old, 4 feet 9 inches tall and 20 pounds.