Question Rear facing

U

Unregistered

Guest
My 19 month is 34 inches tall and only weighs about 21 lbs. He is rear facing and I have planned on keeping him that way until he is at least 2. My question is when is the right time to switch him around? I feel an age is just a number and it should be more on weight and height. His legs are getting a little bunched hitting the back seat now and I know he is only going to get taller but he is so lean it will take him forever to reach 30 lbs. any advice is appreciated. Thank you
 
ADS
wendytthomas

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
Hi there. Welcome. :)

He should be at least two to be in line with the AAP recommendations. Being ready to be turned forward is actually nearly 100% about age. The longer the child can be rear facing, the stronger the spine is to take forward facing crash forces. The only time weight and height come into it is if he's maxed out the rear facing limits on his seat. His legs are safer rear facing than forward, and because kids are simply naturally more flexible, what appears to us to be remarkably uncomfortable is usually actually far more comfortable. Their legs don't dangle. I used to get numb bum every day on the school bus because of my legs dangling. Many kids old enough to ride both directions and talk about their comfort easily have said rear facing is more comfortable because their legs are supported.

What seat is he using now?

Wendy
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Find us on Facebook Here

Sponsors

CarseatBlog
Britax Child Safety
Graco Baby
Nuna Baby

Forum statistics

Threads
219,657
Messages
2,196,902
Members
13,531
Latest member
jillianrose109

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top