having a bit of a panic about front facing

rslhmg

So dd has outgrown her original carseat, which meant we had to buy a new one. I bought the absolute smallest one that she met weight requirements for, which happened to be a convertible seat. I discovered to my dismay, that the seat will not fit in my car rear facing. She meets the weight requirements for front facing, so I know I'm probably being a worry wart, but I am extremely uncomfortable with having to front face her at 14 months actual, 12 adjusted. It was my intention to rear face until she was 2, since she is still on the small side even though she meets the requirements to front face. I know its probably safer to front face her since the seat doesnt fit properly rear facing, but it has me feeling a bit panicky, since from what I have read and been told, its safer over all to rear face until 2. This post doesnt have much of a point, other then getting the panic off my chest to others who might understand a little better then my mom friends with termies. I tried to talk it out with a few and got "we've been front facing for months" and its all i can do not to tell them how gigantic their los are compared to dd. I am sorely wishing we could afford a bigger car right now.

Missa_g

Size isn't the issue with front facing, it's the internal formation of the neck bones. I'm not going to preach but I would highly recommend finding a different carseat if yours is unable to safely RF.

thishappyhouse

have you tried it in the middle seat?  My DDs convertible seat doesnt fit behind the driver or passenger but fits well in the middle.  We alway have had her in the middle and intended to put her in the middle with the convertible but had no choice once we realized the depth of the seat.  You will have to use the seatbelt and the seatbelt clip rather than the latch system though

KatFCo

I agree with getting a new car seat. I know it's probably a pain since you've already bought one, but it would be safer. If you want recommendations, the FB group Car Seats for the Littles might be able to give you a suggestion if you tell them the make and model of your car.

Pips09

I would also suggest returning the seat for a different one. There are plenty that will fit in smaller cars, and I some stores, like BRU, will let you try the seat out in your car before you buy it. I would not be comfortable forward facing at that age.

Soon 2 be Lockhart

I recomend returning it. I had to return mine, I didn't even have to put it back in the box, I went to babys r us (they are wonderful) they brought out the display ones to put in my car to see which one would be the best fit.

ShannonSky

KatFCo said:

I agree with getting a new car seat. I know it's probably a pain since you've already bought one, but it would be safer. If you want recommendations, the FB group Car Seats for the Littles might be able to give you a suggestion if you tell them the make and model of your car.

This group is AMAZING and should definitely be able to help you find a seat that fits! I wouldn't be comfortable FF that early, either, though I know people do it. 

PhillyGal34

I agree with the PP's... I'd get another seat. I plan on RF'ing my DS as long as he fits his seat. There is an amazing group on FB called Car Seats for The Littles and they are great at making recommendations.  if you are on there and would like to be invited let me know. there are a lot of techs and they will tell you which seats would work well with your car.  they are also very kind and helpful!

PM me if you'd like!

rslhmg

I did not know about that group, but i will definitely find it and ask there. For the time being she hasnt gone anywhere in my vehicle because I really dont like her ff. Her dads car is big enough for the seat, but since he doesnt know how to drive a stick we cant swap vehicles. Hopefully that group can help me out, we have already discussed getting me a bigger vehicle at tax time since we really cant afford to before then, but I would much prefer to have her rf in my current vehicle if at all possible until we can get me a larger one.

SweetPeaKate

We had to turn DS earlier than I intended on because of a really long trip in the car and it made driving so much easier. But I think you should go with whatever you are comfortable with. It's not going to help you if you are constantly worrying about her in the back. At this point DS is FF in DH's car and RF in my car. DS is only FF once a week so I don't really think about it anymore and DS doesn't seem to notice.