Q&A: When can I use a forward-facing car seat?

by Dr. Karen Sadler

At what age and weight do you recommend turning an infant's car seat around, from facing towards the rear to front-facing? I have a 1-year-old son who weighs 24 pounds. We turned him around a month ago, but my son's pediatrician told us to turn him back around until he weighs 30 pounds. We followed her recommendation but he doesn't seem to fit well. His feet touch the back of the seat. I would appreciate your opinion.

Since February 2007, the AAP suggests that children ride rear-facing until they reach at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. At that point, they can move to a face forward position. The AAP does add this caveat, however: "It's best for [your child] to ride rear-facing as long as possible. Convertible seats and some infant-only seats have rear-facing weight limits of 30 to 35 pounds and height limits of at least 32 to 36 inches.

Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Follow Us
from beyond babyzone:
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.

recall finder

Find recalls by:
MANUFACTURER
PRODUCT TYPE
YEAR
find recalls
BabyZone Community
Look Who's Talking New
in BabyZone Community
X

more in BabyZone

10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
read more >