Front Facing Car Seat - When?by Heather Long | More from this Blogger 27 Jul 2006 05:00 AM The front facing car seat is a question many mothers struggle with as their infants develop and become toddlers. It's hard enough to keep the baby happy in the car when they are no longer going to sleep in it. It can be even tougher on them when they can't see Mom. The question to ask is when is it best to turn the seat from rear-facing to front-facing. Many parents do it when the baby is about a year old. On the other hand, research now shows that it is better to wait for your baby to achieve a certain size and not just a certain age. Safety A baby and a toddler is twice as safe in a rear facing seat during an accident because it is more likely to protect their neck and spine. Instead of waiting until the baby is a year old, wait until the baby or toddler weighs thirty or more pounds. You can get a convertible seat or larger seat for the child that still allows rear facing. Mirrors & Toys While it may not allow your baby to look directly at you, you can install a double mirror that allows you to see your baby and your baby to see you. Toys and other fun items can be kept in a small bag in the car to give the baby something to do. They will still be able to see out the side windows and in the meanwhile, your baby is safe and sound and secure in the rear-facing seat. How old was your baby when you switched to a front-facing seat? Related Articles: Top 15 Child Safety Seat Mistakes When You Can Get Rid of the Car Seat Should Your Child Still Be in a Booster Seat Learn more about Heather Long  Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago. Relevantbaby tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags age issues, car seat, front facing car seat, weight issues Discuss this article
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