Time for Forward Facing Car Seat?

Izzywizzysmummy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 19:13

Hi all

I'm interested to know when you put your lo's in forward facing car seats? Isabelle's 10 months now and is approaching (if not already there) the 20 pound mark and now the winter is here and she's in her jacket in the car, she's looking squashed and uncomfortable in her car seat

and seems to be complaining a lot (or could htat be teething!?) - anyway, I know they say rear facing for as long as possible - but do you think it's time for forward facing?

Any advice would be great - thanks x

Rach2196 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 20:01

hi izzy... my little boy is only 4 and a half months old and he is already 19.7lb and he is squashed in his rear car seat especially with his jacket and cosy toes on so i have put him in a forward facing one and i think as long as you have a good fitting one then i can not see the problem. You could be causing more problems squashing your bubba into the wrong chair. all car seats are safe and secure why not let them sit in comfort?

Ellie H · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 20:08

It's far, far safer to keep them in the rearward facing car seat even if they look a little squashed. The rearward facing seats keep their necks more supported in the event of a crash and the forward facing ones require them to have good neck control.

Also, most retailers won't (and shouldn't) sell you a seat unless your child is at least 20lbs, whatever their age.

I can't remember what exact age Ethan was (I think he was around 10 months) but I know he was well over 20lbs.

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Nickit · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 20:22

Just wanted to echo what Ellie H has said. It's really important to keep them in their rear facing seats as long as possible; the only reason we were told they should move earlier was if their head comes over the top of the rear facing seat. Also like Ellie said, they need to have very good neck/head control for forward facing seats in the event of an accident.

We moved Isabelle at about 9-10 months but she was very close to the top of her rear facing seat by then. I think second time around I'll be leaving baby in the rear facing as long as I possibly can.

KristySmitten · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickit

the only reason we were told they should move earlier was if their head comes over the top of the rear facing seat.

This is exactly what we were told too. Leave them as long as possible in the rear facing, as like everyone said its much safer.

sarahdavid · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 21:32

We got advice from halfords and they told us that even if they look like they are too big for the rear facing carseat, it is only if the head is reaching over the top that it is dangerous, its all to do with strength in the back/neck/head I think especially if there was a collision.

Halfords by us were very helpful and informative, yours might be too, call in for a chat x

ladybug · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 22:31

Is it not better to have a rear facing seat if there is a collision from the front, but a forward facing if there is a shunt from the back? So, it's still all odds and statistics...

Saying that, Chris is 22lbs ish and well squashed in his rear facing seat, but I'm leaving him in it a little longer. That way, Katie might be big enough soon for the next stage seat and I can give him her's iyswim.

isabellasmum · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-08, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rach2196

i think as long as you have a good fitting one then i can not see the problem. You could be causing more problems squashing your bubba into the wrong chair. all car seats are safe and secure why not let them sit in comfort?

It is not safe for babies to be moved up to forward facing seats early.

The rear facing seats provide much better protection for a baby's neck, back and spine in an impact. Your lo should be sitting up confidentally and weighing more than 20lbs before facing forwards.

Most infant carriers are now tested up to 29lbs for this reason. The only reason to move them up before this is if their head goes over the top of the back of the seat. Isabella was 12 months old, weighed over 24 lbs and was off the centile chart for height when we changed her to the forward seat.

I really would urge people not to be tempted to change their lo's carseats too early. If they look squashed take off their coats, footmuffs etc to give them more room. Little people need the extra protection in an accident that rear facing seats offer.

Izzywizzysmum, you could always pop her coat on when she gets out of the car and stick to just a cardi when you're travelling. I always think they overheat in thick coats in the car anyway as we have heating on. Pop to Halfords or John Lewis and ask their advice. Best to get her weighed first to check as that will be the first thing they ask. xx

acad · #9 (**permalink**) 11-11-08, 08:44

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djmc1812 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-11-08, 09:20

I also have a blanket in the car to cover him if its really cold too, that way no need for thick jackets to get in the way.

Just want to echo what everyone else has said, its much safer to leave then in a rear facing seat, There is a reason as to why they say 9 months is the earliest you should move them. Most good retailers will not sell you a forward facing seat until they reach that age.

If LO is really outgrown their seat why not get them a seat which can be rear facing and forward facing (is it group0 and 1?) that way they are comfy but still got the saftey thing about being rear facing