Comfort level with forward facing a 3 year old?

[springbok]

I've sorta posted about this before but originally was looking for something different so my thread title was misleading. Anyway, here's the story.

Currently I have a RF 2.75yo in a Diono R120 (with angle adjuster...doesn't fit otherwise) in a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring. There is no way we can RF the Radian behind the driver and have my husband drive. In November we are expecting number 2 and s/he'll be riding in a Keyfit 22. The Keyfit can't comfortably be installed behind the driver either.

We decided to purchase a second convertible that can be used in our car and move the Radian to our second car (2003 Toyota Echo). It will go back to the main car and pass along to the newbie when s/he outgrows the Keyfit. Since there will rarely be a passenger in the Echo, RF car seat height shouldn't be a problem.

Sooooo I was looking at the Sureride and My ride when I saw the Foonf on sale. I'm not going to lie, I've coveted that bad boy since prerelease! So I bought it. It arrived today and I haven't unpacked because I had this "duh" moment that it is as unlikely to fit behind the driver as the Radian is!

So, my question is: would you be comfortable FF a 3yo (age when baby is born) in the Foonf? She could still RF in the Radian when in the other car. Or would you return the Foonf and try for a seat that would fit RF behind the driver? My concern is that she is pretty big and may outgrow a more compact seat soon...which gives us no choice but to FF. And I really like the idea of the Foonf as a FF (from what I've read about it) if necessary. Or does my husband (and me to really!) suck it up and drive uncomfortably? I can't imagine that is safe either!

Thanks so much for any advice/perspective!

 

[amyd]

I am very comfortable with my 3 year old FFing. I actually had to turn him at just a bit past 2 when he hit 40lbs. So I've had a while to get used to the idea. I wouldn't hesitate to switch a 3 yo FFing in a Foonf. I'm jealous you made it to 3!

 

[jgomez411]

I wouldn't have an issue. In fact, my daughter started asking shortly after her third birthday to go forward so I turned her.

 

[katymyers]

I'm comfortable with 3. Hunter was just under 3.5 when I had to turn him because his seat didn't work rear facing in the third row of my van after Aubrei was born.

 

[happiness-and-balance]

I'd be totally cool with it. You should be very proud of making it this far and if FF makes things a little easier/more spacious in the car then I say go for it and don't look back She's very safe FF at almost 3. Congrats on the new baby!

 

[Pixelated]

Don't beat yourself up about it at all! However...since you're keeping it anyway (maybe...pending this thread? ) it doesn't hurt to TRY it rear-facing where you want it, yes? Totally depends on your vehicle seat's geometry and shape and squishiness as to how upright it can go.

 

[SnoGurl]

Don't beat yourself up about it at all! However...since you're keeping it anyway (maybe...pending this thread? ) it doesn't hurt to TRY it rear-facing where you want it, yes? Totally depends on your vehicle seat's geometry and shape and squishiness as to how upright it can go.

I totally agree. I installed a foonf in my Nissan Sentra the other day, where I previously had a evenflo triumph. When I opened the box all I could think was 'Um, where am I going to put this??'. To my amazement it took up probably 3-4" less space then the triumph. So, I would definitely *try* to install it rearfacing.

On the other hand, if you do try it and it doesn't work, or even if you don't try it, you did great keeping you kiddo rearfacing this long!

 

[springbok]

Thanks so much! I will definitely try the Foonf Rfing to see if it fits, but if not, I'll try on to freak out about turning her!

I think part of my problem is that I've had to be a real RF advocate so I wanted to keep her RFing as long as humanly possible. The number of comments from family (one person in particular) about how she'll be so much happier FF, she only screams in the car because she can't see you, her legs looked squished, I don't think she's comfortable... Etc...etc. GAH! No matter how much I explained the safety benefits I would get "haha you'd keep her RFing until she's 16"... To which I responded " if I could I would and I would too!". Plus also five families we know with kids DDs age and younger are all FF and have been for a while!

OK sorry for the rant...all that to say I will keep her RF if it works with the Foonf but will also turn her if necessary without feeling like a RF failure!

 

[Adventuredad]

You have done a great job with RF considering 99% of Americans keep their kids RF no more than 15 months. Sometimes we unfortunately have to make compromises which are less than ideal.

Keeping a three year old FF insted of RF is 500% percent less safe. This we know thanks to research and real life experiences. If you are comfortable with that then go FF. If not then find a way to RF.

 

[lgenne]

Adventuredad, do you have sources for your numbers? I know not everyone makes it to 2 RF, and not many go past 2, but 99% don't go past 15 months? I don't believe that.

Also, RF is 5x safer for 1 year olds. I haven't seen any reliable data for 3 year olds.

 

[springbok]

I'd be interested as well. I've read 400% safer for under 2, but that there aren't stats for 3. I obviously made a commitment to ERF and if it is possible, I will keep her RF as long as I can. That said I haven't heard of many Canadian seats that keep big kids who are on the 99th RF that are smaller than what we have! Suggestions to make it work are always welcome though. We haven't had a spare minute to try the Foonf but I am hoping that tomorrow we'll get a chance.

 

[jennzee]

I would also be comfortable turning a child at 3 in a situation like yours. And I also agree to try that foonf out rf'ing. We tried that and a radian rxt yesterday at Buy Buy Baby and the foonf, while appearing massively larger, actually fit much better rf'ing in our vehicle than the radian did (much to dh's dismay after he saw the price tag!).

 

[SafeDad]

Adventuredad, do you have sources for your numbers? I know not everyone makes it to 2 RF, and not many go past 2, but 99% don't go past 15 months? I don't believe that.

Also, RF is 5x safer for 1 year olds. I haven't seen any reliable data for 3 year olds.

I know of no research or data that has any reliable North American evidence for rear facing beyond 24 months yet. It would not surprise me to learn that the trend continues, but good statistics are lacking because so few parents keep their kids RF beyond that age.

RF is certainly safer, but it's impossible to say how significant of an advantage it is. If your child is correctly restrained, they will be safe FF at age 3 also. Newer car seats and vehicles also give an advantage over those studied even 10 years ago!

 

[MommyShannon]

Is it the LATCH features you like FF the Foonf? I don't know what your vehicles' LATCH limits are, but the Foonf is very heavy (33lbs) so if yours is 65lbs, then you have to install with the seatbelt when your DD is 32lbs. I think they approve using LATCH and seatbelt, but in all the sedans we've had, the anchors are offset toward the middle so it's impossible to use LATCH when installing with the seatbelt. I'm not saying the Foonf isn't a good option, just something to look at.

 

[Baylor]

You have done a great job with RF considering 99% of Americans keep their kids RF no more than 15 months. Sometimes we unfortunately have to make compromises which are less than ideal.

Keeping a three year old FF insted of RF is 500% percent less safe. This we know thanks to research and real life experiences. If you are comfortable with that then go FF. If not then find a way to RF.

Sorry I don't believe that number any more. I am not sure it is where it should be yet but I believe the percentage is higher for parents who rear face longer these days.

I don't believe the benefit of rear facing forever lasts forever. IMO a 3 yr old properly restrained is safe. We have people think it is safer than anything so they rear face til 6 and To me, that is way past the point of benefit.

It has to be what works for you and over 2. IMO. I am not a tech, just a parent but I believe there is a point when the rfing benefit is not what people think it is.

 

[carseatcoach]

I don't believe the benefit of rear facing forever lasts forever. IMO a 3 yr old properly restrained is safe. We have people think it is safer than anything so they rear face til 6 and To me, that is way past the point of benefit.

Rear-facing is safer for every passenger, every age, every time. There is no point where the benefit ends.

It is reasonable, IMO, for parents to decide to take the risks of forward-facing a 3yo or a 6yo, and a properly restrained forward-facing 3yo is very safe, but it IS an increased risk and we can't deny that.

 

[Baylor]

Rear-facing is safer for every passenger, every age, every time. There is no point where the benefit ends.

It is reasonable, IMO, for parents to decide to take the risks of forward-facing a 3yo or a 6yo, and a properly restrained forward-facing 3yo is very safe, but it IS an increased risk and we can't deny that.

Do you have studies that show that, If there are I would love to see them because I just don't believe rear facing an 8 yr old is reasonable in any circumstance.

 

[Pixelated]

Do you have studies that show that, If there are I would love to see them because I just don't believe rear facing an 8 yr old is reasonable in any circumstance.

There's a difference between what is reasonable and what is practicable. We do not have the vehicles nor the restraints to rear-face an average sized 8 year old. I don't believe anyone is suggesting that specifically.

Do you understand the physics of WHY rear-facing is beneficial - supporting the head, neck, and spine? That benefit doesn't end on an arbitrary day, just that the risk diminishes as the child gets older due to skeletal and physical development.

 

[katymyers]

What about the rear facing seats in one of those Teslas? Aren't they big enough for an older kid to sit in? And weren't they made rear facing because it's so much safer?

 

[carseatcoach]

Do you have studies that show that, If there are I would love to see them because I just don't believe rear facing an 8 yr old is reasonable in any circumstance.

Here are some articles explaining why rear-facing is safest.
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/stayrearfacing.aspx.