Why You Should Consider a Forward Facing Infant Car Seat
Children under one year are NOT supposed to ride in a forward-facing. In the event of a crash, their neck muscles may be stretched and cause serious injury.
Switch to FF instead of FF when your child reaches the maximum weight of their current seat or height (or the minimum requirement for the new car seat). Follow the directions for your car seat carefully.
Safety
Infant car seats are made to protect the neck and head of your child in the event of an accident. The forward facing position also helps prevent your child from hitting their head against the hard back of the seat which could result in serious injuries.
All forward-facing infant car seats have five point harnesses that ensure the child's safety with just one pull tightening, and the shell of the car seat is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam that provides improved impact protection. Some have a canopy that provides shade from the sun.
The most effective infant car seats have an adjustable angle adjuster and an angle indicator. This lets you determine the right angle for your child's neck in order to prevent it from flopping over during an accident. The car seat also comes with a top tether strap that is attached to the top of the car seat and connects to the tether anchor within your vehicle. It is important to keep in mind that your child might not require a switch to a forward-facing car seat until they reach the top weight and height that is listed in the instruction manual for the seat you are using.
It's the time to switch to a different model when your child weighs 20 pounds and one year old. Children and toddlers younger than one year old have loose, soft muscles in their necks that could cause whiplash if involved in an accident. They are more likely to sustain serious neck injuries if they travel in a frontal collision (the most frequent and severe type). If children under the age of 1 are rear-facing their head is protected by the car seat, and protected from sudden movements that could stress their necks.
When kids move to a forward-facing car seat, they should use a convertible seat or an all-in-one with a high rear-facing weight and a height limit. The child shouldn't be moved into an adult booster until they meet the height and age requirements for a high-back or backless booster, which is typically around the age of 4 or 5 years old. You can notice the differences in these car seats when you look at these crash videos, but remember that the video is slow-motion. A child can be injured if they move too quickly.
Comfort
A forward-facing infant car seat will keep your child safe and comfortable in the event of an accident. The seat has a comfortable headrest and body support cushion and an EPS energy-absorbing shell that helps ensure your child is safe from any collision. The seat also features a five-point harness with easy one-pull tightening and a movable front center adjuster that ensures your child is in the right position. A retractable canopy helps protect your child from direct sunlight. The seat can be secured to the seat belt of your vehicle to ensure safety. It also has a clip to lock the buckle in place even when the seat isn't in use.
If your infant complains of discomfort while traveling or seems to slump forward when sleeping or sleeping, the angle of the seat may be too low for your child. This can be fixed by placing a towel that is tightly folded on the front of your car seat. If this does not work, bring your child to Rockridge Kids and we will examine the angle of the car seat.
Remember that children should not face forward until they weigh at least 20 pounds and are one year old. Their necks are not strong enough to take the force of a crash in the event that they fall forward on their own. Some experts recommend waiting longer because the muscles and bones of children are more malleable.
Many parents opt to purchase convertible car seats that allows their babies to travel rearward-facing until they reach maximum weight or height limits. This lets them enjoy the benefits of a rear-facing car seat longer, and also makes it more convenient for parents since they can easily move their child from the rear-facing position to the forward-facing position when their child has outgrown it.
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat provides your child 10 years of car seat use with only one seat, from rear-facing infant (4-40 lbs) to forward-facing 5-point harness and high-back booster (30-100 lb) to a backless belt-positioning booster (40-120 lbs). It's simple and easy to set up using the Smart Fit system that allows you to move the headrest and harness together, with no re-threading.
Convenience
A forward-facing infant car seat is a great option if you're traveling with a child who is young. It lets you see your child while driving and allows all of your family members to ride in the car without disturbing your baby or toddler. This type of car seat can also be used with strollers, making it easier to carry your child in and out of your car to go to the supermarket or other errands.
Even when your child is at the age that they are able to change to a car seat that is forward-facing it is better to keep them in a rear-facing position the duration you can. From the standpoint of crash tests, a child’s head is better protected in a crash if they are facing backwards. This is because the whole body -- head as well as neck and torso -- is cradled by the back of the car seat when they face in this direction.
Read the instruction manual of the manufacturer to determine how you can rotate the seat of your child. You'll find that they have the maximum height and weight limit, as well specific rules about things like the crotch strap position. These restrictions are designed to ensure your child's safety as they develop.
Another thing to consider is whether you have an automobile with tether anchors for your car seat. If so, make sure that the tether strap is properly installed and secured to the anchor points of your vehicle as per the instructions in the seat's manual. Also, ensure that the shoulder straps of your child's harness are at or just below their shoulders, and are not too high or low. This can affect how they're secured during an accident.
A good choice for parents who have multiple children or are planning to have more is convertible car seats. This is a complete car seat that can start by being an infant car seat facing rear, then move your child to a forward-facing seat when they are old enough and have reached the height or weight limit for the rear-facing car seat.
Style
You spent a lot time and effort in choosing the right car seat for your child. But as they get older and begin to outgrow their car seat for infants, you might be wondering when it's time to change them.
While the idea of facing your child forward is thrilling, there are a few important safety factors to consider. Children should remain rear-facing until they reach their car seat's maximum weight and height limits.
Remember that children vary in size and age. try what he says on a specific date on the calendar, or if you believe they have reached their maximum length. A child might appear larger in a rear-facing car seat but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe to turn them around, since their bones and spine haven't fully developed yet.
It is recommended to keep your child facing rearwards until they are at least one year old, and certain infant car seats come with an integrated reminder to ensure they remain there. This is because children younger than one don't have enough neck muscles that can take a direct hit, which could result in serious spinal injuries.
Many infant car seats are not just secure, but also simple to use. They include bases that are attached to the car and snap out and in to let you carry your child from stroller to car and back and often with a frame stroller as part of an overall travel system.
If you're about to transition your baby into a forward-facing convertible car seat ensure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines and then examining the car seat for tightness. When properly installed the car seat shouldn't move more than 1 inch from side to side or front to back and the harness straps must be placed at or above the shoulders of your child. If you have any concerns or questions you should talk to a certified safety technician in your area or call the manufacturer of the car seat.