Forward facing

[Deleted]

Legally in my state, only one of my girls can be forward facing right now. The other hasn't made the weight limit yet, so we are still rear facing for simplicity's sake. I have read though, that rear facing is recommended up until age 2, as it is the safest way for them to travel, in the event of an accident.

[Unknown]

Way to early to forward face. ETA: it has to do w/ the top above the head when fully extended not the side wing cushions. I'd be surprised if your LO has outgrown the Britax RF already, but they do have shorter shells then many currently on the market.

csftl.org/why-rear-facing-the-science-junkies-guide/

ETA: reading fail, and I can't spell

[ajaan113]

DS is on the shorter side. He probably would do better in the car if he was front facing. DS does not like being in the Seat from the moment you put him in the seat. On good day he will go about 20 minutes before a meltdown begins.

[Unknown]

Feb 16, 2015 14:34:36 GMT -5 ajaan113 said:

DS is on the shorter side. He probably would do better in the car if he was front facing. DS does not like being in the Seat from the moment you put him in the seat. On good day he will go about 20 minutes before a meltdown begins.

In what sense do you think he would do better? Rear facing is statistically the safest and it is recommend to rear face to at a minimum of 2 years old, but preferably closer to 4.

[fiveohfive]

I'm with Unknown on this... RF until at least two is the safest for your LOs

[ajaan113]

Feb 16, 2015 14:37:46 GMT -5 Unknown said:

Feb 16, 2015 14:34:36 GMT -5 ajaan113 said:

DS is on the shorter side. He probably would do better in the car if he was front facing. DS does not like being in the Seat from the moment you put him in the seat. On good day he will go about 20 minutes before a meltdown begins.

In what sense do you think he would do better? Rear facing is statistically the safest and it is recommend to rear face to at a minimum of 2 years old, but preferably closer to 4.

DS likes to look around, so he does better during the day in the car. He tries to turn around when we put him in the shopping cart. It was just a thought since it is a battle putting him I the car seat. 

[Unknown]

Feb 16, 2015 15:39:21 GMT -5 jnetx said:

I know 2 is the recommendation, but if he has outgrown the seat limits, that's not safe. That's why I was asking if anyone knew a good way to tell if he had met the limit yet.

You said yourself the manual states 1 inch from the top of the shell, and I know mine states when the headwings are fully extended. I'm sorry I guess I just don't understand what you are asking.

ETA: From a Britax Manual: child’s head 1″ from the top of the fully extended head restraint

[fiveohfive]

Feb 16, 2015 15:39:21 GMT -5 jnetx said:

I know 2 is the recommendation, but if he has outgrown the seat limits, that's not safe. That's why I was asking if anyone knew a good way to tell if he had met the limit yet.

I hear you. I personally would buy a car seat that allows for longer RF before I would go FF at a younger age for safety reasons and peace of mind. Is this a convertible seat?

[Unknown]

Feb 16, 2015 16:01:57 GMT -5 jnetx said:

Feb 16, 2015 15:43:17 GMT -5 Unknown said:

You said yourself the manual states 1 inch from the top of the shell, and I know mine states when the headwings are fully extended. I'm sorry I guess I just don't understand what you are asking.

ETA: From a Britax Manual: child’s head 1″ from the top of the fully extended head restraint

I guess I just need to look at the manual again. I thought it said one inch from the shell itself, not counting the part that extends when you raise the straps.

I just looked on the website, and didn't check to see which model, but they should be all the same.  It may be the wording is weird in your manual because maybe they are considering that part of the shell. I know Britax have shorter shells then many models, but you should be able to get to 2 even with a long waisted LO.

[legitsince86]

Not forward facing since she hasn't hit the height or weight. Am I the only one dreading FF? I figured she would be worse seeing me and wanting me while I'm driving.

[sugarkissed]

Rear facing forever! Lol. She's short and small, so I think we've got quite awhile before I need to worry about this.

[marley629]

Same as posters above. We will be RF until 2 at a minimum. It significantly lessens the risk of head injury or worse in the event of a crash. I would probably opt for purchasing a different car seat vs FF at this age.

[lilqt3929]

Rear facing for as long as possible. We just bought a new carseat at the Babies R Us trade in that will rear face longer then our other (now a spare). I would recommend buying a new seat over forward facing at this point. Babies R Us has the trade in program going on now thru the 21st, I believe, so you may want to take advantage of that if needed.

[happymama]

I'm in the way too early camp too. If any of you are unsure about how to know when it's time or if you are using your seat correctly, your local fire department is generally a good resource.

In a head-on collision, if your LO is forward facing, their body will be restrained but their head won't and will fly forward (towards the impact). Because their heads are so big but their necks aren't fully developed and are still weak, this can cause severe neck injuries or even an internal decapitation (generally not a survivable injury). This can happen to anyone in a bad enough collision, but due to their anatomy, the risk is much greater in children under two and doesn't become similar to older children until around age four. If your LO is rear facing, the seat will support their head and spine and help absorb the shock of the collision.

As far as LO's who cry, I get it. DD throws a tantrum every time I buckle her in. But this is just one of those situations where I do what's best for her even if she hates it and cries. I give her books and toys and listen to music she likes and sing her silly songs and act like an idiot in an attempt to entertain her...but turning her seat around isn't an option.

DD is also already the size if a two year old so I worry that she may outgrow the rear facing limits on her seat before I'm ready to turn her around, but this issue is important enough to me that if she does I will buy a new seat with larger rear facing limits.