Keep Your Child in an Infant Car Seat Rear Facing

Insuring that your child is in a car seat that is rear-facing is the best option. Children should only be switched to a forward-facing car seat when they outgrow the height and weight limits of their current car seat.

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Safety Benefits

Rear-facing infant car seats best car seats are the safest option for newborns and young babies. This is because they support and cradle their head and neck. Purva Grover MD director of Cleveland Clinic Children's Pediatric Emergency Departments, explains that since their spines aren't yet formed, it is vital to keep the force of an accident away from their heads and necks. In a frontal collision the baby's head is likely to strike the seat in front of them. This can cause a whiplash that can be severe or even fatal. In a rear-facing seat however, the impact is absorbed and dissipated to the rear of the car. "It's like a hug," says Adele. Additionally, the child's legs are tucked into their car seat, which prevents them from being thrown against the rear of the seat or other vehicle surfaces. "This keeps them from colliding with their own bodies, causing internal injuries," she explains.

Many parents are against ERF because they fear that their child may become bored or uneasy. My son Lukas has never been bored or uncomfortable. In fact Lukas prefers riding backwards because the recline feature allows him to cross his legs and read an article or watch TV.

If you do have an older child who is hesitant to sit in a rear-facing car seat because of leg length or any other reason, try to convince them that it's the best method of travel for them. Explain that your child can remain in the convertible or all-in one car seat so long as the weight or height limit is not exceeded.

Also, be certain to strap your child into a rear-facing car seat using the lower anchor system or seat belt. Don't let them wear bulky clothing such as winter coats, as these could be swollen in a crash and cause the straps of the harness to become loose, putting your child at risk of injuries. Always use the Pinch Test to ensure a snug fit.

Convenience

Many parents prefer to keep their infant car seats rear-facing as long as possible because they are simple to use and more mobile than convertible car seats. If you keep your child rear-facing, they might require being placed in a crib or bassinet at nap or bedtime. This could mean waking the child who is sleeping and this isn't a good idea. The advantages of rear-facing overshadow the inconvenience, however.

Newborn babies and preemies are smaller than full-term infants, so the headrest of their car seat is lower. This helps to reduce the force of an accident and ensures that the chest clip of the harness is below or at the shoulders, not at the neck. This is important for premature infants, who have bones that are weak and are not fully ossedified following birth or pregnancy.

In addition the rear-facing position gives an excellent view of your baby than forward-facing. This allows you to observe their behavior and ensure that they are content and happy. Most infant car seats have built-in mirrors that can be adjusted so that you can see your child at any angle.

Once your baby outgrows their car seat for infants or reaches the height or weight limit suggested by their seat manufacturer You can then switch to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that will allow them to remain rear-facing until they are at least two years old. Some have rear-facing limits that are higher than rear-only seats that allow them to be used for a longer period of time.

Convertible car seats or all-in one seats are renowned for being flexible. They can be used rear-facing, forward-facing or as a belt positioning booster. They also usually have a large base in the back of your car which makes them easy to remove and install. They are more expensive than car seats for infants that are used once, but they will last longer and save you money over the course of time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride rear-facing to the maximum height and weight limits that are set by the manufacturer of their car seat or until they reach at least two years old. Many children are outgrowing their rear-facing infant seat before age two However, don't be enticed to change them earlier. It's better to be patient.

Weight Limits

All infant car seats have weight and height limits you need to keep in mind. Most infant car seats have a weight limit of 30 to 35 lbs and a height limit of around 30 inches, based on the model. If your child is reaching the limits, it's time to move on to the next stage of safety: either a convertible car seat that can be switched between rear facing and forward facing or an all-in-one car seat that allows your child to ride in a rear-facing position until they reach the maximum height and weight recommended by the manufacturer.

In addition to the weight and height limit, there are also other indicators that indicate your child is prepared for the next step in a car seat, including their level of comfort when riding rear-facing. You can check for these signs by observing your child's behavior, and then comparing them to other children their age in their carseats. You can also ask for help from certified child passenger safety technicians at a car seat inspection station, which are often run by local government agencies or community groups.

Remaining rear-facing for your infant as long as possible is the most secure option for them and it's easy to see why so many parents are hesitant to turn their kids around until they're mature. You can avoid this temptation by making sure that your child's car seat is installed correctly and doesn't switch them to a front-facing seat before they're ready, even when their weight or height is near the limits of their current seat.

If you're unsure whether your child is prepared for the next stage of car seat or you're worried you might not have installed the car seat correctly Contact an accredited child safety technician. They are available through community organizations, hospitals, local government offices, and child safety programs. You can search for one near you, or contact your local public health or safety department. Mobile car seat check events can be held at your home or office to ensure you have the correct equipment and that you are using them correctly.

Installation

A car seat needs to be installed correctly in order to be effective. The NHTSA reports, sadly, that almost half of car seats are set up incorrectly. This includes rear-facing seats. The best way to ensure that your child's car seat is correctly installed is to study the manual and have it professionally examined by a certified car safety technician.

Checking the angle is the first step in installing the rear-facing infant car seat. You can verify the angle of the base on the side or in the manual to make sure it is safe for your child's weight.

You should also make sure that your baby's head is properly positioned in the seat. The forward-facing position can put pressure on the neck and spine of babies due to their hefty heads and soft necks. In a rear-facing collision the back of a car seat absorbs the majority of the collision force. This helps protect the baby's neck and the spinal cord.

Once your child has reached the weight or height limit of the infant car seat travel car seat it's time to move to a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat. These seats can be used in a rear-facing orientation up to the front-facing limit. Make sure to purchase a new infant car seat that has a higher rear-facing limit if you choose to change to this type of car seat, since older models have lower limits.

If you select an infant car seat that swivels car seat that is able to be removed from the car and re-attached to the stroller, it is a great option for parents who wish to take their infants into and out of the car often. The only drawback is that it could be a hassle and time-consuming to maneuver the car seat and stroller in and out of your car every time, particularly with a newborn. However, if you are willing to take the extra time each time to get it right, this can be a good option for a lot of families. Make a plan and pick the day when you have plenty of time.