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When Can I Turn My Baby Around to Face Forward in the Car?

Managing Editor

Published on August 20, 2021

Determining when a baby can face forward in the car is an important milestone for parents. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in rear-facing car seats until they turn 2 or have outgrown car seat height and weight limits.¹

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Understanding the guidelines for front-facing seats

While 1 year and 20 pounds used to be the standard for when to flip car seats around, most experts now recommend using rear-facing child seats until children are 2 years old and reach the top weight and height recommendations of the car seat manufacturer, which is typically around 30 pounds and 36 inches.

There are some situations in which facing backward may become uncomfortable for a child. For example, long road trips can be difficult if your little one’s legs are cramped up against the back of the seat. In general, though, you shouldn’t let the baby face forward in the car simply because they are uncomfortable or don’t like to be rear facing.

Adding a mirror that allows your child to see themselves (and you) while you are driving can help alleviate stress and boredom.

Safely switching your child’s seat

Best extended rear-facing

Evenflo Gold SensorSafe EveryStage

$293.38

Usage up to age 10

Washable lining

View on Amazon

*Amazon.com price as of 08/20/2021 at 9:30 a.m. (MT). See full disclaimer.

If your child is over 20 pounds and more than 1 year old, you may be tempted to temporarily face the seat forward—if your car seat is approved for forward-facing use—on long trips. If this is something that is allowed by your state and the specifications of your car seat, be sure to do so conscientiously.

Make sure you properly install the car seat in the new position, tightening all anchors and straps, including the extra tether if available. You should place the forward-facing seat in the middle of the back seat. This will provide extra protection, as that is the safest spot in the vehicle.

Deciding when your baby can face forward in the car is a big step, and you should do it carefully. To ensure the safest travel experience possible, you should keep your child in the rear-facing seat as long as you can. You want to do everything you can to ensure safe travel for your family.

When it is time to switch to a new car seat, check out our Car Seat Buyers Guide to ensure you pick the right one for your child’s needs.

Compare the best car seats

	Car seat	Price	Type	Head injury criteria	Chest acceleration	Anti-rebound device	Learn more
Best overall	Cybex Aton 2	$299.95	Infant	340	44 g-units	Load leg	View on Amazon
Best convertible car seat	Britax Boulevard Clicktight ARB	$364.99	Convertible	289	51 g-units	Anti-rebound bar	View on Amazon
Budget safety pick	Chicco Keyfit 30	$199.99	Infant	330	51 g-units	None	View on Amazon
Best 4-in-1 car seat	Graco 4Ever DLX	$309.99	4-in-1	364	43 g-units	Premier model only	View on Amazon
Best extended rear-facing	Evenflo Gold SensorSafe EveryStage	$293.38	4-in-1	Not specified	Not specified	None	View on Amazon
Anti-rebound pick	Primo Viaggio Nido	$349.99	Infant	430	51 g-units	Load leg Anti-rebound bar	View on Amazon
Easiest to clean	Safety 1st onBoard 35 Air+	$150.25	Infant	398	53 g-units	None	View on Amazon
Easiest to use	UPPAbaby Mesa	$299.99	Infant	511	60 g-units	None	View on Amazon
Lightest pick	Nuna Pipa Lite	$419.95	Infant	431	60 g-units	Load leg	View on Pottery Barn
Best for stroller conversion	Doona	$549.00	Infant	603	60 g-units	None	View on Dillards

*Amazon.com price as of 08/20/2021 at 9:30 a.m. (MT). See full disclaimer.

Related Pages on SafeWise

Sources

American Academy of Pediatrics, “AAP Updates Recommendation on Car Seats.” Accessed August 20, 2021.

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Written by

Celeste Tholen

Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She oversees editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help people find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She continues to report on local news as a volunteer with the community paper. For the last six years, she’s led a Girl Scout troop, teaching girls about safety and preparing for whatever life throws their way.