It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

It used to be 1 year, and then they changed it recently. I watched tge crash test videos, and you can really see how their necks are cradled if they are rear facing, but really snap if they are forward facing. It was enough to convince me! They have them face noth ways so when they are big enough you can just turn the sest around rather than buying a new one.

Sorry for the spelling, my phone doesn't agree with my choices...

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

I'm in Washington State and it's 2 years here too. It's not that ridiculous in my opinion. I'd check with your state recommendations but I wouldn't even consider turning my 9 month around to forward facing.

I have a Britax Marathon 70-G3 and I love it!

Don't know why it isn't mandatory yet, but it is a recommendation, a STRONG recommendation.

We have a Diono so our kids can be rfing till 40 lbs. DD just turned 4 and she is doing fine in it.

The official recommendation changed from 1 year to 2 years fairly recently, but most top car seat experts have recommended at least 2 years for several years at least.  That is why most convertible car seats have a decently high rear facing weight limit.  We have the Britax Marathon 70-G3; I chose that make/model because a) it has a rear facing limit to 40lbs, b) it has a tall harness height (DH and I are tall), and c) it has a forward facing height of 70lbs.  Now, I highly highly doubt she will get close to 70lbs before growing out of it, but I went with a high weight limit to ensure I get the most use of out it possible.  So far we love the Marathon (easy to install, fits well in vehicle (Nissan Rogue), and LO is comfy in it).... hope this helps.   

kbruington:

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

I'm in Washington State and it's 2 years here too. It's not that ridiculous in my opinion. I'd check with your state recommendations but I wouldn't even consider turning my 9 month around to forward facing.

I have a Britax Marathon 70-G3 and I love it!

Almost all states are proper-use states, meaning that anything is legal as long as you're following the manufacturer's directions for height/weight/age.

2 years RF is a recommended minimum, best practice states to RF until 3-4 years as that is when the bones in the neck begin to fuse together. 

I thought the same thing, we got this...

http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Marathon-70-G3-Convertible-Seat/dp/B00834D5SO/ref=sr_1_fed0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355880496&sr=8-1&keywords=britax+car+seats+marathon

DS can see out rear facing and we have no issues. He enjoys looking out and I intend to keep him rear facing as long as possible. Hey is he is fine with it (he doesn't know different), it is safer.... then I am game. (padding comes out as child grows and you "might" need a small booster in the end but cost doesn't bother me.

we have the safety 1st air protect 65 i think that's it for our 'main' car and it's RFing starting at infants and good until 65lbs whenever LO is turned FFing. we'll leave DS in it RFing til he's two and then use it til we need a booster. he seems comfortable and it fits well in the car. i got it from target and got a heck of a deal on it.

in the secondary car I have the evenflo triumph which is only up to 40lbs so we'll replace it sooner than the other. but i like that this one is super compact. he's barely 22lbs so we've got plenty of life in it.

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

I am a car seat tech.

They do make a backward/forward seat. Its called a convertible seat. There are many of them. 

Lots of things are dangerous and not laws. Smoking being one of them. One state has brought it up as a law and it was shot down. I don't see it happening anytime soon, but it should be.

My son is almost 2.5 and still rear facing in a Graco My Size 70. He is perfectly fine and he doesn't know better.

http://carseatblog.com/5168/why-rear-facing-is-better-your-rf-link-guide/

phillyfan929:

we have the safety 1st air protect 65 i think that's it for our 'main' car and it's RFing starting at infants and good until 65lbs whenever LO is turned FFing. we'll leave DS in it RFing til he's two and then use it til we need a booster. he seems comfortable and it fits well in the car. i got it from target and got a heck of a deal on it. in the secondary car I have the evenflo triumph which is only up to 40lbs so we'll replace it sooner than the other. but i like that this one is super compact. he's barely 22lbs so we've got plenty of life in it.

I'm sorry if I am misunderstanding you, but I think your safety first is rfing only till 40 lbs.  He can be FFing till 65 lbs. 

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

have you been living under a rock?!?  I cannot believe that this isn't MUD.  

I thought the same thing, we got this...

http://www.amazon.com/Britax-Marathon-70-G3-Convertible-Seat/dp/B00834D5SO/ref=sr_1_fed0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355880496&sr=8-1&keywords=britax+car+seats+marathon

DS can see out rear facing and we have no issues. He enjoys looking out and I intend to keep him rear facing as long as possible. Hey is he is fine with it (he doesn't know different), it is safer.... then I am game. (padding comes out as child grows and you "might" need a small booster in the end but cost doesn't bother me.

HilarityEnsued:

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

have you been living under a rock?!?  I cannot believe that this isn't MUD.  

 

 

OMG be flucking nice, FTM's here and not everyone is a know all on everything related child.... hence posting the question right?

stw_77:

phillyfan929:

we have the safety 1st air protect 65 i think that's it for our 'main' car and it's RFing starting at infants and good until 65lbs whenever LO is turned FFing. we'll leave DS in it RFing til he's two and then use it til we need a booster. he seems comfortable and it fits well in the car. i got it from target and got a heck of a deal on it.

in the secondary car I have the evenflo triumph which is only up to 40lbs so we'll replace it sooner than the other. but i like that this one is super compact. he's barely 22lbs so we've got plenty of life in it.

I'm sorry if I am misunderstanding you, but I think your safety first is rfing only till 40 lbs.  He can be FFing till 65 lbs. 

right. i guess i didn't word that the best. he will stay rear facing for a while in that seat because hes only 22lbs and then when we turn him, he can be FFing til 65lbs.

phillyfan929:

stw_77:

phillyfan929:

we have the safety 1st air protect 65 i think that's it for our 'main' car and it's RFing starting at infants and good until 65lbs whenever LO is turned FFing. we'll leave DS in it RFing til he's two and then use it til we need a booster. he seems comfortable and it fits well in the car. i got it from target and got a heck of a deal on it.

in the secondary car I have the evenflo triumph which is only up to 40lbs so we'll replace it sooner than the other. but i like that this one is super compact. he's barely 22lbs so we've got plenty of life in it.

I'm sorry if I am misunderstanding you, but I think your safety first is rfing only till 40 lbs.  He can be FFing till 65 lbs. 

right. i guess i didn't word that the best. he will stay rear facing for a while in that seat because hes only 22lbs and then when we turn him, he can be FFing til 65lbs.

As pp said, this is my first child so I don't know any better just yet. I do live in Canada and while safety is the same, I guess laws are different. I'm not saying I am going to put her forward facing immediately at 23lbs, at 9 months. I do miss sitting in the front seat with DH ! But also don't want dd to feel alone back there. We have a jeep so its not as easy to look out the back.

silvie25:

phillyfan929:

stw_77:

phillyfan929:

we have the safety 1st air protect 65 i think that's it for our 'main' car and it's RFing starting at infants and good until 65lbs whenever LO is turned FFing. we'll leave DS in it RFing til he's two and then use it til we need a booster. he seems comfortable and it fits well in the car. i got it from target and got a heck of a deal on it. in the secondary car I have the evenflo triumph which is only up to 40lbs so we'll replace it sooner than the other. but i like that this one is super compact. he's barely 22lbs so we've got plenty of life in it.

I'm sorry if I am misunderstanding you, but I think your safety first is rfing only till 40 lbs.  He can be FFing till 65 lbs. 

right. i guess i didn't word that the best. he will stay rear facing for a while in that seat because hes only 22lbs and then when we turn him, he can be FFing til 65lbs.

As pp said, this is my first child so I don't know any better just yet. I do live in Canada and while safety is the same, I guess laws are different. I'm not saying I am going to put her forward facing immediately at 23lbs, at 9 months. I do miss sitting in the front seat with DH ! But also don't want dd to feel alone back there. We have a jeep so its not as easy to look out the back.

 Why can't you sit up front with your DH? Most convertible seats sit much more upright than an infant seat, so they don't take up as much room front to back. I hear the Guide 65 is pretty compact, so that may be an option for you. 

Skipping all the RFing debate (and FTR, I am pro extended rear facing but I think other people have covered it).  I think people are skipping over a VERY important part of your post.  Regardless of height or weight, your daughter can NOT be turned forward facing until she is at least 12 months old.  That is a minimum so since she's only got one pound left on her seat but 3 months until she could even legally forward face so the decision on what seat to buy is likely already made for you.

elmoali:

Skipping all the RFing debate (and FTR, I am pro extended rear facing but I think other people have covered it).  I think people are skipping over a VERY important part of your post.  Regardless of height or weight, your daughter can NOT be turned forward facing until she is at least 12 months old.  That is a minimum so since she's only got one pound left on her seat but 3 months until she could even legally forward face so the decision on what seat to buy is likely already made for you.

She is in Canada, and I am not sure what the laws are there. It could be 1 AND 20, but I have no idea since I am not a tech there. The seats may or may not specify 1 AND 20 (or 1 year, 22lbs and 34" as most Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer and Cosco seats do).

To the OP, I have no idea why you are sitting in the back. There really is no reason too, so I wouldn't use that to justify turning her at all. 

I read a blog, which I would post, but I don't want a lot of traffic going there. Its about an 18 month old boy, who was forward facing, and in a head on collision with his parents. He died. On impact, his neck snapped. He had no outward injuries. Spinal decapitation in infants/toddlers is a real thing, and accidents are the #1 killer of children.

Please, please do your research.

SuperCuteBenz:

elmoali:

Skipping all the RFing debate (and FTR, I am pro extended rear facing but I think other people have covered it).  I think people are skipping over a VERY important part of your post.  Regardless of height or weight, your daughter can NOT be turned forward facing until she is at least 12 months old.  That is a minimum so since she's only got one pound left on her seat but 3 months until she could even legally forward face so the decision on what seat to buy is likely already made for you.

She is in Canada, and I am not sure what the laws are there. It could be 1 AND 20, but I have no idea since I am not a tech there. The seats may or may not specify 1 AND 20 (or 1 year, 22lbs and 34" as most Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer and Cosco seats do).

To the OP, I have no idea why you are sitting in the back. There really is no reason too, so I wouldn't use that to justify turning her at all. 

I read a blog, which I would post, but I don't want a lot of traffic going there. Its about an 18 month old boy, who was forward facing, and in a head on collision with his parents. He died. On impact, his neck snapped. He had no outward injuries. Spinal decapitation in infants/toddlers is a real thing, and accidents are the #1 killer of children.

Please, please do your research.

Ah, Canada, didn't catch that.  I did a quick search and found that 1 AND 20 is the law in some provinces but not others.  

OP:  http://www.safekidscanada.ca/professionals/advocacy/documents/26794-boosterseatlegislationchart.pdf 

chicsahm:

OMG be flucking nice, FTM's here and not everyone is a know all on everything related child.... hence posting the question right?

I do not claim to be (and am quite sure I am not) a know-it-all.  But not knowing the laws of where you live, and what actual professionals (as oppposed to internet strangers) have recommended on the subject is plain ignorance.  

To take it a step further and say something along the lines of "it would be illegal if it weren't safe" is just beyond comprehension.  

I love TB, and talking to other mothers.  I think anecdotal evidence can be great and helpful.  But for something like car seat safety, please... 

HilarityEnsued:

chicsahm:

OMG be flucking nice, FTM's here and not everyone is a know all on everything related child.... hence posting the question right?

I do not claim to be (and am quite sure I am not) a know-it-all.  But not knowing the laws of where you live, and what actual professionals (as oppposed to internet strangers) have recommended on the subject is plain ignorance.  

To take it a step further and say something along the lines of "it would be illegal if it weren't safe" is just beyond comprehension.  

I love TB, and talking to other mothers.  I think anecdotal evidence can be great and helpful.  But for something like car seat safety, please... 

I agree. I sure as heck would want someone to tell me if what I was doing or planning to do was illegal, dangerous, or just plain not recommended. When it comes to the safety of my kids, I welcome criticism! Anything I can do to keep them safe, I'm all ears. 

chicsahm:

HilarityEnsued:

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

have you been living under a rock?!?  I cannot believe that this isn't MUD.  

 

 

OMG be flucking nice, FTM's here and not everyone is a know all on everything related child.... hence posting the question right?

I hate that "I'm a FTM" bull_shit argument. Many of us are, but take the time to do our due diligence and research to do what is best and safest for our LOs. OP, get a convertible seat, keep your LO RFing for at least another year, and sit in the front seat like a normal person.

mabenner1:

chicsahm:

HilarityEnsued:

silvie25:

MollySm:

It's seriously recommended to keep them backwards facing until at least 2 years. You can search youtube videos if you want to see why it is so much safer. We haven't bought one yet, but we'll get one that starts rear facing and then can turn forward facing later.

2 years?????? I've never seen or heard that before. Why would they make most of them forward or backwards optional then. If it was so dangerous it would be mandatory

have you been living under a rock?!?  I cannot believe that this isn't MUD.  

 

 

OMG be flucking nice, FTM's here and not everyone is a know all on everything related child.... hence posting the question right?

I hate that "I'm a FTM" bull_shit argument. Many of us are, but take the time to do our due diligence and research to do what is best and safest for our LOs. OP, get a convertible seat, keep your LO RFing for at least another year, and sit in the front seat like a normal person.

You know what shame on all of you who are taking out this b!itchy I know it all attitude. We are ALL in the same boat here. This forum is for people to come on here and talk and ask questions to other moms that potentially have more experience and vice versa. All of you who are coming down on my question, and rudely answering other peoples posts and comments should not even be on this site. Who do you all think you are?? While I really appreciate some of the helpful pp's that shared their thoughts and ideas about my post. The rest should be ashamed of yourselves. Wow your a full time mom that knows everything about safety because you do your research.... CONGRATS.
I sit in the back with my 9 month still because I like to keep her company. So while I could "sit in the front like a normal person" I prefer to sit in the back like an !diot. As for the carseat, it was only a question... I haven't gone out and bought a new carseat, certainly without doing my research...would anyone ?!! And I would never put my child in risk. So calm down and go back to being this amazing FTM who clearly has some sort of insecurity about something . Its people like you that make new moms afraid of making new mommy friends.

elmoali:

SuperCuteBenz:

elmoali:

Skipping all the RFing debate (and FTR, I am pro extended rear facing but I think other people have covered it).  I think people are skipping over a VERY important part of your post.  Regardless of height or weight, your daughter can NOT be turned forward facing until she is at least 12 months old.  That is a minimum so since she's only got one pound left on her seat but 3 months until she could even legally forward face so the decision on what seat to buy is likely already made for you.

She is in Canada, and I am not sure what the laws are there. It could be 1 AND 20, but I have no idea since I am not a tech there. The seats may or may not specify 1 AND 20 (or 1 year, 22lbs and 34" as most Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer and Cosco seats do).

To the OP, I have no idea why you are sitting in the back. There really is no reason too, so I wouldn't use that to justify turning her at all. 

I read a blog, which I would post, but I don't want a lot of traffic going there. Its about an 18 month old boy, who was forward facing, and in a head on collision with his parents. He died. On impact, his neck snapped. He had no outward injuries. Spinal decapitation in infants/toddlers is a real thing, and accidents are the #1 killer of children.

Please, please do your research.

Ah, Canada, didn't catch that.  I did a quick search and found that 1 AND 20 is the law in some provinces but not others.  

OP:  http://www.safekidscanada.ca/professionals/advocacy/documents/26794-boosterseatlegislationchart.pdf 

Yes Canada does have differerent laws per province and some provinces are very vague. As well, the AAP recommendations, while still valid, do not get broadcast the same way up here and while Canada Health does also recommend RF until 2, it's not as widely known about.  I have posted a link with the current laws (or at least as current as I could find) and you will see that some of them are very loose, so the OP is valid in saying she didn't know.  (It's the same link in the above post, but hopefully mine will be a clicky)

http://www.safekidscanada.ca/professionals/advocacy/documents/26794-boosterseatlegislationchart.pdf

silvie25:

 

You know what shame on all of you who are taking out this b!itchy I know it all attitude. We are ALL in the same boat here. This forum is for people to come on here and talk and ask questions to other moms that potentially have more experience and vice versa. All of you who are coming down on my question, and rudely answering other peoples posts and comments should not even be on this site. Who do you all think you are?? While I really appreciate some of the helpful pp's that shared their thoughts and ideas about my post. The rest should be ashamed of yourselves. Wow your a full time mom that knows everything about safety because you do your research.... CONGRATS. I sit in the back with my 9 month still because I like to keep her company. So while I could "sit in the front like a normal person" I prefer to sit in the back like an !diot. As for the carseat, it was only a question... I haven't gone out and bought a new carseat, certainly without doing my research...would anyone ?!! And I would never put my child in risk. So calm down and go back to being this amazing FTM who clearly has some sort of insecurity about something . Its people like you that make new moms afraid of making new mommy friends.

Um, I work full time. I still find time to read the car seat manual and the national highway safety whatever group's website to see their recommendations, and in doing so, found out that 2 is the earliest they and the AAP recommend turning your LO FF.

mabenner1:

silvie25:

 

You know what shame on all of you who are taking out this b!itchy I know it all attitude. We are ALL in the same boat here. This forum is for people to come on here and talk and ask questions to other moms that potentially have more experience and vice versa. All of you who are coming down on my question, and rudely answering other peoples posts and comments should not even be on this site. Who do you all think you are?? While I really appreciate some of the helpful pp's that shared their thoughts and ideas about my post. The rest should be ashamed of yourselves. Wow your a full time mom that knows everything about safety because you do your research.... CONGRATS. I sit in the back with my 9 month still because I like to keep her company. So while I could "sit in the front like a normal person" I prefer to sit in the back like an !diot. As for the carseat, it was only a question... I haven't gone out and bought a new carseat, certainly without doing my research...would anyone ?!! And I would never put my child in risk. So calm down and go back to being this amazing FTM who clearly has some sort of insecurity about something . Its people like you that make new moms afraid of making new mommy friends.

Um, I work full time. I still find time to read the car seat manual and the national highway safety whatever group's website to see their recommendations, and in doing so, found out that 2 is the earliest they and the AAP recommend turning your LO FF.

. Wow. You should be so proud of yourself.give yourself a big pat on the back The UM was not necessary. So my point exactly.

silvie25:

mabenner1:

silvie25:

 

You know what shame on all of you who are taking out this b!itchy I know it all attitude. We are ALL in the same boat here. This forum is for people to come on here and talk and ask questions to other moms that potentially have more experience and vice versa. All of you who are coming down on my question, and rudely answering other peoples posts and comments should not even be on this site. Who do you all think you are?? While I really appreciate some of the helpful pp's that shared their thoughts and ideas about my post. The rest should be ashamed of yourselves. Wow your a full time mom that knows everything about safety because you do your research.... CONGRATS. I sit in the back with my 9 month still because I like to keep her company. So while I could "sit in the front like a normal person" I prefer to sit in the back like an !diot. As for the carseat, it was only a question... I haven't gone out and bought a new carseat, certainly without doing my research...would anyone ?!! And I would never put my child in risk. So calm down and go back to being this amazing FTM who clearly has some sort of insecurity about something . Its people like you that make new moms afraid of making new mommy friends.

Um, I work full time. I still find time to read the car seat manual and the national highway safety whatever group's website to see their recommendations, and in doing so, found out that 2 is the earliest they and the AAP recommend turning your LO FF.

. Wow. You should be so proud of yourself.give yourself a big pat on the back The UM was not necessary. So my point exactly.

Your assumption that because I am a well read mother I must stay home was unnecessary as well. Stop attacking and do research.