I have done some research about extended rear facing over the past few years. However, the studies that I have seen quoted all state that "ERF has been shown to be 5x safer than forward facing *up to 23 months.*" I see lots of parents here who are ERF up to 4 and even 5 years old. Is there an evidence basis for ERF past 2 years of age, or is it just an extra safety precaution?
Here is our situation - DD2 is 29 months, 33lb. She has been FF in our Roundabout since around 2 years old. We just ordered a Regent for her so we can put DD3 into the RA. The RA expires in less than a year, so we are also going to have to get a new seat for DD3. In researching seats for her, I have discovered the higher weight RF seats like the My Ride & True Fit Premier. Now I'm wondering if I should get one of those seats, turn DD2 back to RF until the RA expires (DD2 will then be closer to 3-1/2), and then move DD2 to the Regent and DD3 to the other seat. I hate the fact that the Regent would just be sitting in storage, basically burning time. If I keep DD2 FF, I won't have to buy a new seat for DD3 for another 9 months or so.
Any thoughts?
Here is our situation - DD2 is 29 months, 33lb. She has been FF in our Roundabout since around 2 years old. We just ordered a Regent for her so we can put DD3 into the RA. The RA expires in less than a year, so we are also going to have to get a new seat for DD3. In researching seats for her, I have discovered the higher weight RF seats like the My Ride & True Fit Premier. Now I'm wondering if I should get one of those seats, turn DD2 back to RF until the RA expires (DD2 will then be closer to 3-1/2), and then move DD2 to the Regent and DD3 to the other seat. I hate the fact that the Regent would just be sitting in storage, basically burning time. If I keep DD2 FF, I won't have to buy a new seat for DD3 for another 9 months or so.
Any thoughts?