If you are looking to when can baby face forward in the car seat, then this post is for you. We will provide you with when can baby face forward in car seat 2015 so that your question gets answered and everything becomes much clearer.
This article provides an overview of when can baby face forward in car seats and when they should be facing backward or sideways.
When Can Baby Face Forward In Car Seat 2015
Once the baby is at least one year old and weighs 20 pounds, it should be able to face forward in a car seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents keep their children rear-facing as long as possible.
However, many vehicle models do not accommodate rear-facing seats past two years without putting too much pressure on the child’s neck or compromising safety features such as airbags.
It may also be difficult for older siblings to sit behind an infant if he faces back toward them instead of away from them.
There are even some convertible car seats that allow you to turn your infant around so she can look out the window and see what’s going on outside her door while still being buckled into his car seat.
When To Switch From Infant Car Seat To Convertible Car Seat
The convertible car seat is the next step in your baby’s journey after they outgrow their infant car seat. Here are some things parents should consider before making the transition into a convertible or booster.
Height & Weight Requirements: A common reason that infants are switched over is due to hitting one of these two milestones. The general suggested age range for having babies use this type of carrier is around three years old until they reach 40 lbs (18 kg).
But there are height requirements for this type of car seat as well. Most convertible seats are recommended to be used by children until they reach at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall, which is usually around eight years old or so.
Convertible Car Seat: Another important factor when it comes down to the decision between a regular infant carrier and a convertible one is how long you can use them.
If your child outgrows their typical baby carrier before reaching three years old, they may benefit from having a more lasting seat that has higher height requirements and weight limits that range up into elementary school age.
Once again looking back at most major model brands’ sizing charts, most newborns start off in a car seat to a car seat, including important features like being able to have an adjustable headrest, or whether the seat is capable of having a removable infant body insert for extra support.
When Should I Change My Baby’s Car Seat?
When your child reaches the maximum height and weight of their car seat, it is time to change. This varies depending on how old they are so check the manual for the particular product that you have purchased.
Most children only need a convertible or forward-facing car seat until they are about four years old unless there is something else wrong with them like some sort of physical condition which makes this more difficult for them (e.g., very short stature).
After age four, some parents will opt to go straight into booster seats but follow what your pediatrician recommends as every family’s situation is different!
Can I Use A Convertible Car Seat For A Newborn?
A convertible car seat is one that can change from rear-facing to front-facing. If you want this kind of versatility for your baby, then it’s ok to use a convertible car seat when the child is still an infant (i.e. less than 20 pounds). There are many well-known brands that make excellent convertible seats.
Is An Infant Car Seat Safer Than A Convertible?
Many parents choose to use infant car seats far longer than the law requires. However, it may be time for a new perspective on that long-held practice because research has begun to show that while convertible car seats are very safe, they’re not as easy to use in every situation.
As such, consideration should be given about when an infant seat is safer or more convenient than using a less bulky and easier-to-install convertible seat instead.
Can You Leave The Hospital With A Convertible Car Seat?
Yes, you can leave the hospital with a convertible car seat. You might be able to even use an infant’s car seat in your vehicle too.
What’s The Difference Between An Infant Car Seat And A Convertible?
There are a few differences that you need to know between an infant car seat and a convertible, which will help you decide on the best one for your baby.
The first difference is how long your child can stay in each type of carrier. An infant car seat typically has an upper weight limit of up to 30 pounds while most convertibles have a 40-pound maximum weight capacity.
Convertible car seats are heavier and bulkier than infant car seats. Instead of attaching to a base, convertible seats use your car’s seat belt.