Change Baby Car Seat Front Facing

Learn more about little kids in car seats.

Change baby car seat front facing.

As your child grows you might have to switch from using a smaller rear facing only car seat to using a bigger rear facing convertible car seat that can hold a larger child first rear facing then forward facing. By law a child weighing up to 9 kg must be installed rearward facing in a car seat ece r44 04 approved. When using a convertible seat rear facing make sure the child s head is below the top of the safety seat so that the head is not exposed to contact with the vehicle. According to the national highway traffic safety administrations right seat website there are three factors specific to your child that go into choosing the appropriate seat age height and weight.

Depends on the car seat but most convertible seats have rear facing weight limits of 40 to 50 pounds. Most convertible car seats can be used in the rear facing position until a child reaches the weight limit typically 40 to 50 pounds. Depends on the car seat but most convertible seats have rear facing height limits that require the child s head to be at least 1 inch below the top. After you turn the seat forward adjust the harness make it more upright and attach the top tether.

Your child may need a forward facing car seat with a harness that has a higher weight or height limit before moving to a booster seat. Rear facing front facing infant seat or booster which car seat is safest for your child. Read the forward facing car seat s owner s manual to determine height and weight limits and keep your child in a harnessed seat for as long as possible. Many people think that once their children outgrow baby car seats they should begin to use.

It s recommended you only move them up when they no longer comfortably fit their current child car seat. Safety experts and child car seat manufacturer britax recommend keeping your children in a rearward facing restraint for as long as possible rear for a year at least. Do not use a rear facing only seat if your baby weighs more than the maximum shown in the instructions 22 35 lbs or if her head is within an inch of the top edge of the seat. At that point the seat can be converted into a forward facing.

Any age so long as the child is within the height and weight limits for their rear facing car seat. Children at this stage are not yet ready for adult safety belts and should use belt positioning booster seats until they are at least 4 9 and between 8 and 12 years old. After your child gets too big for the weight or height limits of the forward facing car seat use a belt positioning booster seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt. Watch this video to see if your child is ready to move to a booster seat.