When Can I Turn My Baby Around to Face Forward in the Car?
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 have outgrown car seat height and weight limits of the seat.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 outgrow the top weight and height recommendations of the car seat manufacturer. This means your child may be rear-facing until well beyond their second birthday.
There are some situations in which facing backward may seem uncomfortable for a child—like long road trips where it seems like the little one’s legs are cramped up against the back of the seat. You shouldn’t let the baby face forward in the car simply because they seem uncomfortable or don’t like to be rear facing.
Tots are generally very flexible and even when they seem cramped up by adult standards, they can actually be quite comfortable.
Adding a mirror that allows your child to see themselves (and you) while you are driving can help alleviate stress and boredom. And taking breaks during long trips can give your little one time to stretch their legs.
Safely switching your child’s seat
When it's time for a new car seat, check out our car seat buyers guide to ensure you pick the right one for your child’s needs.
Once you make the switch, be 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.
When you're done, head to your local fire or police station. Often, there will be someone on duty trained to check the safety of car seat installation. You can also use the National Highway and Traffic Administration's car seat inspection site locator to find installation help in your area.
Compare the best car seats
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Price
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Type
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Head injury criteria
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Chest acceleration
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Anti-rebound device
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| Best overall |
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$299.99 | 4-in-1 | 364 | 43 g-units | Premier model only | View on Amazon |
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Best infant car seat |
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Best for budgets |
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Best extended rear-facing |
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$299.99 | 4-in-1 | Not specified | Not specified | None | View on Amazon |
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Anti-rebound pick |
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$349.99 | Infant | 430 | 51 g-units | Load leg Anti-rebound bar |
View on Amazon |
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Easiest to use |
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$299.99 | Infant | 511 | 60 g-units | None | View on Amazon |
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Lightest pick |
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$399.95 | Infant | 431 | 60 g-units | Load leg | View on Pottery Barn |
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Best for stroller conversion |
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$550.00 | Infant | 603 | 60 g-units | None | View on Amazon |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Related articles on SafeWise
- American Academy of Pediatrics, “Car Seats: Information for Families," December 22, 2021. Accessed January 26, 2022.
Disclaimer
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