my son is 8 months old and still sitting rear facing, he is a tall boy though and weighs 23lbs
2006-09-25 05:55:31 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Minimum of 1 AND 20 lbs so wait until his 1st birthday. It's perfectly safe if he is tall and his legs bend against the back of the seat.
2006-09-25 06:04:03 · answer #1 · answered by luvmysoldier 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The absolute minimum for forward-facing is one year, if and only if the baby's over 20 lbs. Many babies outgrow their infant seat well before one year (either by weight or by height), so you will need to get a new carseat if this is the case. Check your seat's manual or sticker for the limits. You want to look for a "convertible" carseat which is used rear-facing up to 30-35 lbs and then forward facing to at least 40 lbs. There are several models on the market that have even higher weight limits, up to 65 lbs.
The reason for keeping them rear-facing is that their neck bones simply aren't strong enough to support their heads in the event of a crash. Weight/size doesn't make it safe any earlier. The bones just aren't hard enough before a year. Many people keep their children rear-facing much longer. And in Sweden, most children rear-face until age 4! Also, feet touching the back of the seat isn't a problem. I'd much rather have a broken leg (which there aren't any reported cases of from extended rear-facing) than a broken neck.
2006-09-28 16:42:12 · answer #2 · answered by poonie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should say in the manual the car seat came with. Assuming you bought it new.
If not then call the fire department or police department, they will help you properly install your car seats and they may know. Or check car seat manufactures on line. Your pediatrician may know as well.
I can't remember for sure, but it seems like 1 year or 20-25 lbs depending on manufacturer. One takes precedent over the other, I think. Another important thing is that his neck is strong enough.
I'd call the above to be sure.
2006-09-25 13:09:41 · answer #3 · answered by donworybhapy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the recommended age is 1 year or 20 pounds. He should be fine to sit in a forward facing carseat.
2006-09-25 13:02:57 · answer #4 · answered by Genny 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
12 months or 20 pounds, whichever comes second
When my daughter was 8 months old she was 23 pounds too. She started walking at 10 months old and lost 3 pounds. She's now 16 months old and only weighs 21 pounds.
She's still backward in the car seat.
2006-09-25 13:02:50 · answer #5 · answered by momoftwo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your carseat should have a sticker that says weight limit on it. You can also look online at the name of the company you bought it from. Safety is very important and so is proper use of car seats. Thanks for asking a very important question.
2006-09-25 14:06:17 · answer #6 · answered by LadyMagick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Despite how big he is, you still need to wait until he's a year old AND at least 20 pounds (which he's already there). I had the same question for my doc and that's what she told me.
2006-09-25 12:57:31 · answer #7 · answered by T.G. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that children reach front facing car seat age at different times. Your son should be ready, but only if you feel comfortable.
2006-09-25 12:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
1 year old
2006-09-25 12:59:02 · answer #9 · answered by Jessica G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 yrs. old, depending on the body size.
2006-09-25 12:57:14 · answer #10 · answered by lee f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋