Keep Your Child in an Infant Car Seat Rear Facing
Keep your child in a car seat that is facing rearwards is the most secure option. Children should only be moved to a forward-facing car seat once they have reached the height and weight limits of their current seat.
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Safety Benefits
Rear-facing infant car seats are the most secure option for infants and young babies. This is because they provide support and support to their neck and head. good infant car seats of Cleveland Clinic Children's Pediatric Emergency Departments, explains that as their spines aren't ossified, it's crucial to keep the force from the crash away from their heads and necks. In a frontal crash the head of a child would hit the seat in front of them, causing whiplash that could be fatal or severe. However, in the rear-facing car seat the impact is absorption by the seat, and dissipated through the rear of the vehicle. "It's like a hug," says Adele. The legs of the child can be placed in the car seat to keep them from being thrown against the back of the front seat or any other surface of the vehicle. "This prevents them from colliding with their own body, which can cause internal injuries," she explains.
Many parents are against ERF because they are afraid that their child may become bored or uneasy. My son Lukas has never been bored or uncomfortable. He prefers to sit rear-facing since the seat reclines, which allows him to read a book, or watch TV while he does so.
If you do have a child that isn't keen on being in a rear-facing car seat because of leg length or other reasons Try to convince them that it's the best way for them to travel. Explain that they can remain in their convertible or all-in one car seats as long as they do not exceed the height or weight limits that are set by the seat's manufacturer.
Be sure to secure your child in a rear-facing car seat by using the lower anchor system of the vehicle or a seat belt. Don't allow them to wear bulky clothing like winter coats, since they can be compressed in the event of a crash and cause the straps of the harness to become loose and place your child at risk of injuries. Use the Pinch Test when fitting your child's harness.
Convenience
Many parents prefer to keep infant car seats rear-facing as long as possible because they are easier to use and more mobile than convertible car seats. However having your child in a rear-facing car seat could mean that they need to be moved into a crib or bassinet at times of nap or at bedtimes. This could wake the child who is sleeping, which is not ideal. The security advantages of rear-facing overshadow this inconvenience, however.
Newborn babies and preemies are smaller than full-term infants, so the headrest of their car seats is lower. This helps reduce the impact of an accident and ensures that the chest clip on the harness is below or at the shoulders, not at the neck. This is particularly crucial for premature babies who have weaker bones, and aren't fully ossedified from pregnancy or birth.
Additionally the rear-facing position gives the best view of your baby than forward-facing. This allows you to easily observe their behavior and make sure they are comfortable and happy. The majority of infant car seats come with a built-in mirror that can be adjusted so that you can view your child from any angle.
When your child is no longer in their infant car seat, or is at the weight or height limit suggested by their seat manufacturer You can then switch to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that allows them to remain rear facing until they reach two years old. Some have rear-facing limits that are higher than rear-only car seats which allows them to be used for a longer period of time.
Convertible or all-in-one car seats are renowned for their versatility. They can be used in rear-facing, forward-facing or as belt positioning boosters. They are also easy to install and remove due to their large base at the back of your car. They are more expensive than car seats for infants that are used once, but they will last longer and will save you money over the course of time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight and height limits set by the car seat manufacturer or are at least 2 years old. It is common for children to outgrow their rear facing infant car seat before they reach the age of two. But, it's always better to wait.
Weight Limits
You should be aware that all car seats for infants come with weight and height restrictions. Most have a maximum weight of 30 to 35 pounds and an upper height limit of 30 inches or so, depending on the model. When your child has reached these limits, it's time to move on to the next stage of safety. You can choose a convertible car seat that can change between rear facing and forward facing or an all-in-one car seat that allows your child to ride backwards until they reach the maximum height and weight recommended by the manufacturer.
There are other factors, besides the weight and height limit, which can help you determine whether your child is ready to go up a level in a car seat. One of them is their level of comfort when riding rear-facing. You can observe these indicators in your child's behavior, and compare it to other children similar to them in their car seats. You can also seek help from certified child safety specialists at a car-seat inspection station, which is usually run by local government or community organizations.
It's ideal to keep your infant facing rear for as long as you can. This is why many parents wait until their children are fully mature before they switch them over. However, you can avoid this temptation by ensuring your child's car seat is correctly installed and that you do not rush to change to a forward-facing one too soon even if they're not close to the limits on weight or height of their current car seat.
If you're uncertain whether your child is ready to move on to the next car seat stage or you're worried you might not have installed their current car seat in a correct manner Contact a certified child passenger safety technician. These specialists are available through community organizations and hospitals local government offices, and child passenger safety programs. You can find one close to you by looking online or by contacting your local health department or public safety agency. Mobile car seat check events can be held at your home or office to ensure that you have the right equipment and are using them correctly.
Installation
A car seat needs to be installed correctly in order to be effective. The NHTSA reports, sadly, that almost half of car seats are set up incorrectly. This includes rear-facing seats. The best way to make sure that your infant car seat is correctly installed is to read the instruction manual and have it examined by a certified car safety technician.
The first step in installing a rear facing infant car seat is to determine the angle. You can verify the angle of the base on the side or in the user manual to ensure it is safe for your child's weight.
You should also be sure that your baby's head is in the right angle when in the seat. The forward-facing position can cause pressure on the spine and neck of babies with their heavy heads and soft necks. In a rear-facing collision, the car seat's back absorbs most of the crash force, which shields the baby's delicate neck and spinal cord.
When your child is at the limit of weight or height of the infant car seat it's time to move over to a convertible car seat or an all-in-one car seat. These can be used in a rear-facing orientation to the front-facing limit. Make sure to purchase an infant car seat that has an increased rear-facing limit when you choose to change to this type of seat, since older models have lower limits.
Parents who frequently transport their children by car will appreciate the ability to choose an infant car-seat that is able to be removed and attached to the stroller. The only drawback is that it can be time-consuming and difficult to maneuver the stroller and car seat into and out of your vehicle every time, particularly with a newborn. This is a great choice for many families when they are willing to take the time to make it happen each time. Be sure to plan ahead, and choose the day that you have plenty of time to spare.