Why You Should Consider a Forward Facing Infant Car Seat

Children younger than one year should not ride in a forward-facing. In the event of a crash, their neck muscles that are weak can stretch and cause serious injury.

Switch to FF instead of FF when your child reaches the weight limit of their current car seat or height (or the minimum for the new car seat). Follow the directions for your car seat carefully.

Safety

In the case of a collision, infant car seat swivel car seats are designed to protect the neck and head of your child. The forward-facing position could also help prevent your baby from hitting their head on the hard back of the car seat which could cause serious injuries.

All forward-facing infant car seats have five-point harnesses to ensure the child's safety with just one pull tightening, and the shell of the car is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection. Some have a canopy that provides shade from the sun.

The best infant car seat in front seat car seats will come with an adjustable angle adjustment and an angle indicator. This lets you set the correct angle for your child's neck in order to prevent it from flopping over in an accident. The top tether strap is connected to the tether anchor of the vehicle and comes from the top. It's important to keep it in the mind that your child may 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 of the seat you're using.

When your child reaches 20 pounds and one year old is the right time to change. Children and toddlers younger than one year old have loose, soft muscles in their necks that can cause whiplash if involved in an accident. They are more prone to suffer serious neck injuries when they travel in a frontal collision (the most frequent and severe type). If children under the age of 1 ride backwards their head is cushioned by the car seat, and protected from sudden movements that could strain their necks.

When children move to a forward-facing car seat, they still need a convertible or an all-in-one that has a large rearward weight and height limit. They shouldn't be pushed to an adult car seat until they meet the high back or backless booster seat age and height requirement typically at around the age of 4 or 5. You can see the difference in these car seats when you watch these crash videos, but remember that the video is reduced in speed. Children can be injured in the event that they move too fast.

Comfort

A forward facing infant car seat allows your infant to enjoy a comfortable ride and be secure in an accident. The seat features a soft headrest and body support cushion as well as an EPS energy-absorbing cover to protect your child from impacts. The seat also has a five-point harness with easy one-pull tightening and a movable front center adjuster to ensure your child is properly positioned. A retractable canopy helps protect your child from sun. The seat can be secured to the seat belt of your vehicle to ensure security. It also has a locking clip which keeps the buckle in place when the seat isn't being used.

If your infant complains of discomfort while traveling or seems to lean forward when sleeping or sleeping, the seat's angle may be too low for them. You can remedy this by putting tightly rolled towels on the front of the car seat to lift it up more. If this isn't working, bring your child to Rockridge Kids and we will test the angle of the car seat for newborn seat.

Be aware 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 should they fall to their front on their own. Some experts suggest waiting longer, since the bones and muscles of young children are more malleable than those of adults.

Many parents decide to purchase a convertible seat that allows their children to be backwards until they reach the maximum weight or height limit of the seat. This lets parents enjoy the benefits a rear-facing seat for a longer amount of time. It also makes it easier for them as they can easily change their child's position from forward-facing to rear-facing as the child grows out of it.

The 4Ever Convertible Car Seat from Graco is a convertible 4-in-1 car seat that lets your child use the seat for 10 years. It can be converted from a rear-facing infant (up to 40 lbs) to a forward-facing harness and high-back seat (30-100 lbs), to an unbelt-positioning seat that is backless (40-120 lb). It's easy and simple to install with the Smart Fit system that allows you to move the headrest and harness together, without re-threading.

Convenience

A forward facing infant car seat is an excellent option if you're traveling with a young child. It allows you to see your child's view while driving, and allows the rest of the family to enter the car without disturbing your infant or toddler. This type of car seat can also be used with strollers, making it easier to carry your child into and out of the car to go to the supermarket or other errands.

But remember, even the time your child is old enough to switch to an forward-facing car seat, it's better to keep them rear-facing as long as is possible. When you consider it from the perspective of crash test results, a child's head is more secure in a frontal crash when they are facing backwards. This is because the entire body -- head, neck, and torso is supported by the back of the car seat when they're facing in this direction.

You'll want to check the instructions provided by the manufacturer on when you can change your child's car seat around. You will find that they have the maximum height and weight limit, and also specific rules about things like the crotch strap position. These limits are intended to ensure the safety of your child as they grow.

Another thing to think about is if you have a vehicle with Tether anchors for your car seat. If so, ensure that the tether is fitted and connected to your vehicle's anchor points as per the instructions in the manual. Additionally, you'll need to ensure that the harness shoulder straps are at or just above the shoulders of your child and not too high or low in order to affect how well they are secured in the event of the event of a crash.

A good choice for parents with more than one child or plan to have more, is a convertible car seat. This is a complete car seat that can start with a rear-facing infant car seat and then transition your child to a forward-facing position when they are old enough and have reached the height or weight limit of the rear-facing position of the car seat.

Style

The infant car seat was a must-have item for your little one, and you spent much time deciding the best infant seat one. However, as they age and begin to outgrow their infant car seat, you may be wondering if it's the right time to flip them around.

While the idea of having your child face forward is exciting, there are some important safety aspects to be aware of. Children should be rear-facing until they reach the maximum height and weight limit for their specific car seat.

Be aware that children differ in size and age. Don't base your decision on a specific date on the calendar or if you think that they have reached their maximum length. It might appear that a child is bigger in a rear-facing car seat, but that doesn't mean it is safe to turn the child around. Their bones and spine aren't fully developed.

It is recommended to keep your child facing rearwards until they reach one year old, and certain infant car seats have a built-in reminder to keep them there. This is due to the fact that children younger than one year old don't have enough neck muscles to withstand the force of a frontal collision, which could cause serious spinal injuries.

In addition to being secure in addition to being safe, many infant car seats have useful features that make them easy to use. Some of these include bases that snap in and out of the car, allowing you to carry your baby from the car to a stroller and then back. They are often part a travel system.

If you're ready to move your baby to a forward-facing convertible car seat ensure that you do it correctly by following all of the manufacturer's instructions and checking the car seat for tightness. When properly installed the car seat shouldn't move more than 1 inch side to side or front to back, and the harness straps must be positioned at or over the shoulders of your child. If you have any questions or concerns ask a certified car seat safety technician in your area or contact the manufacturer of the car seat.