Is forward facing or rear-facing better? A rear-facing car seat will absorb most of the crash forces and supports the head, neck and spine. When children ride forward-facing, their heads – which for toddlers are
Is forward facing or rear-facing better?
A rear-facing car seat will absorb most of the crash forces and supports the head, neck and spine. When children ride forward-facing, their heads – which for toddlers are disproportionately large and heavy – are thrown forward, possibly resulting in spine and head injuries.
Why is rearward facing safer?
Why is rearward facing safer? Rearward facing seats are designed to better support a young child’s head, neck and spine. During an impact, your child’s body is cradled in the seat while the crash forces are distributed across the shell of the seat.
Is rear-facing actually safer?
Research shows it’s far safer to keep them facing the back until age 2. Car seat research has shown that children up to 23 months old are about 75 percent less likely to die or sustain serious injury in a rear-facing car seat than a forward-facing one.
Should a 4 year old be rear-facing?
Under the new guidelines, most kids would keep using rear-facing seats until they’re about 4 years old. “Even if their children’s legs are longer than the car seat, they can easily fold their legs up into the car seat and it’s actually much safer for their legs,” she said.
Can a 2 year old be forward facing?
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.
Should I turn my 3 year old forward facing?
The AAP now recommends that kids sit rear-facing until at least age 2 and for longer if possible. NHTSA now recommends: “Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer.”
When can I turn my 2 year old forward facing?
Current Recommendations The current recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics is to keep children rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight for their convertible seat. This is usually at three to five years old, depending on the seat and the child’s growth.