How long RF with LONG legs?

T

TaliaJenea

Guest
18mo DS has pretty long legs, so he always has to splay them out on either side of the seatback or tuck them up cross-legged. DH doesn't feel like it's safe for him to ride that way, so he wants to turn him FF.

Any insight?
 
ADS

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
His feet, hips, knees, and legs will not be injured in a crash. There have been no documented cases of lower extremities injuries reported. There have, however, been MANY document cases of neck, head, and spinal injuries from prematurely forward facing. Even if leg injuries were possible, which would you prefer? Leg or spine? Carseats are not designed to protect legs. Those are an added bonus. Kids can deal with broken legs, even severed legs. They can't deal with broken necks or severed spinal columns.

Have him read this page (http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/StayRearFacing.aspx) and watch the videos at the bottom.

As for how long? Here's my five year old. So apparently pretty long.

1024886238_c9321f8bf6.jpg


Wendy
 

nrod

New member
My son is also tall and I asked his pediatrician, who told me exactly what the other posters said. His head and neck were more important to protect and if anything, he might have a minor leg injury. Much safer to be rear-facing until those neck muscle strengthen.
 

Jeanum

Admin - CPS Technician Emeritus
Staff member
Good to hear your ped. is on board about RF. :thumbsup: It's not the muscle strength or muscle development that is a concern really, though. It's the spinal column's development and the hardening/fusion of the protective vertebrae as the child grows older that really matter and why extended rear facing is recommended as long as possible. There's an excellent illustrated post about the spinal column/vertebral development showing the progression from an infant to a 6 year old on another board. If I can find the link, I'll post it here for reference. :) Edited to add link: http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=180970
 

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