Forward facing car seats.... - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

Jonanner · 07-19-2007, 11:51 AM

How is everyone doing? I haven't been on in forever since we're in the middle of an international move right now. I hope all of your babies are doing well.

How do I know when my baby is ready for a forward facing car seat? Does it go by age or weight. She is currently 9 1/2mo, but I have no idea how much she weighs. I thought the rule was one year, but someone told me 20 lbs so I wasn't sure. TIA!

sarawithnoH · 07-19-2007, 11:59 AM

Hi Jonanner. Both are correct. Babies are supposed to be 1 year AND 20 lbs before they can be switched to forward facing.

KeltoKel · 07-19-2007, 01:01 PM

Sarah is right, they have to be both.

prairie_dawn · 07-19-2007, 04:22 PM

Actually are you asking about germany law or USA law? If you tell us what state you are going to if you are coming to USA we'll try helping find what hte laws are. I know each state is different. I"m in NJ so it says 1year is forward facing. Then NJ just screws it up from there. LOL

xinerevelle · 07-19-2007, 07:49 PM

Laws are very different than what is recommended by doctors. Doctors recommend that babies be, AT A MINIMUM, 1 year old and 20 lbs. Notice that I emphasized that it was a minimum... they would actually like you to keep the baby rear-facing as long as possible. Why? Because in a crash the neck and head are much more protected in a rear-facing carseat than in a forward-facing one. Even with good head control babies are still pretty fragile beings, especially in a crash (or even if you have to swerve to avoid something).

Good luck on your move!