convertible car seat ?

sawyer918

When should you have your convert. car seat forward facing?  I have been seeing conflicting information and just wanted to see when you MoM's made the switch from rear to forward facing.  My boys are a little over 11 months old and are both over 20lbs. each.  My car seat is rated for rear facing from 5-40lbs. and forward from 20-65lbs.  Since we just purchased our van, we found that it is easier to have one car seat rear facing in the 2nd row and the other seat forward facing in the 3rd row.  I wanted some of your opinions if you would feel comfortable with this set up or not.  Thanks!

CarrieS90

i know that they say they should be 12 months or 20 pounds before they face forward something like that at least but i think i faced my DD forward at 11 months because she was the right weight and i thought she was close enough to 12 months, i guess it all depends on the person and how they feel about it

jettagurl

The MINIMUM is 1 yr AND 20 lbs.  The Amer.Acad. of Pedis now recommends 2 years RF.  Sometimes you cannot make it to 2 years, but I'd try your best - and even past if possible.  You can google "Benefits for Extended rear facing" for some research.   

Also, check your manuals - most convertibles don't allow you to use the top 1-2 harness slots for Rearfacing. Very rarely does a child outgrow the weight limits - it nearly always the height (particularly seated height - rear to head).  

Are you wanting one in the back row so you can sit in the middle row?  i'd put them both RF in the middle and you hop in the back seat if needed.  Check your middle row configuration....I know in my Honda the seat behind the passenger can slide over to the 'middle' of the van, then you access the 3rd row right along the passenger sliding door, rather than crawling back thru the middle.   We have this setup (my 18 mo old twins RF) and my older kids in the 3rd row.

 

 ETA : Here's a good link for ERF: 

 https://www.cpsafety.com/articles/stayrearfacing.aspx

Temp159135562506975

12mo and 20lbs is the law in most states- but the new guidelines are to keep rear facing until 2 y/o b/c of "virtual decapitation" being a huge risk if you turn them too soon b/c their neck muscles are not fully developed at a year.

My boys are still rear facing - i just got new seats so i could keep doing it longer b/c Gibby is past the rear weight on his Britax... it means that much to me.  They will be turned at 2y/o MAYBE - they love the way they are now, so i might not change it right at 2... might wait longer.

sawyer918

Thanks ladies.  I think I have just been scared straight.  hehehe.  I am going make the switch and have both rear facing.  I couldn't live with myself if something happened and I had one forward facing for convience purposes.  I am glad I asked.