Car seat rear facing question???

anyone not have their child rear facing in their "convertible" or "toddler" car seat.
DD is almost 18 months and we finally moved her up to her big girl car seat - well I put it rear facing today and she just does not look comfortable at all. Her legs are so squished - her knees are basically in her chest - she is in the 85th percentile for height but very very skinny - that is why I left her in the bucket seat for as long as possible but she finally out grew it height wise.
I honestly cant stand how it seems like she fits in the car seat now that she is rear facing. I cant even see her and it just looks so uncomfortable for her. All day she was pushing her legs up against the back of the seat trying to make more leg room for herself.
So, anyone just put their DC forward facing?????

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Most kids are actually more comfortable when they are scrunched up. It's a fetal position, which they find relaxing. They are also more flexible than adults, so it's not as uncomfortable as we think it might be. Also, if it's safer for them, that's the primary focus. It's easier to deal with an uncomfortable child than one in a neck brace after an accident....

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

My DD is 15 mos. and in 2 weeks is her dr's appt. If the Dr. gives the go ahead then I am switching the position. She is above average with her height and is about 25 lbs. I know they say its recommended to wait until they are 2 years old but I honestly don't see how that could work for my DD.

You are going to get so many different answers, but only you can make the decision.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

DS was FF at 12 months to the day... DD was FF at 11 month.

the day DD was turned around was a whole new chapter in her life.

prior to that i couldn't stand driving with her.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

My DD is 90th percentile for height and weight............we switched her forward facing at 13 months. Leaving them until at age 2 is a recommendation, not law. Do what you feel comfortable with. Everyone will have their own opinion but I *personally* think rear facing until age 2 isn't a possibility with most kids for a variety of reasons.............but that's just me.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

You have to do what you are most comfortable with - looking at the benefits and risks for each position.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

I was on the fence myself until I read some stuff in this link that someone posted a week or so ago.

Car Seat picture guide

The section on the risks of forward facing made me want to keep her rear facing until 5- and she can bend her legs behind her head for all I care!
There are specific physiological reasons why it's safer to be rear facing in a crash.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

DS is 95th percentile for height at 15 months old and we're going to continue to keep him rear facing.
He doesn't complain at all so we're not messing with it.
I know it's only a recommendation, but the research shows it is SO much safer for him if we were to get into a car accident. Better protection for his head, neck and back, so we're sticking with it.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Thank you for all the opinions and the link! I will read the link ASAP!
I want to do what's safest for DD.
I think I am just really missing my bucket seat.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

I think what a lot of people miss about the recommendation for rear facing until 2 years old is that it has nothing at all to do with your child's height or weight. It's simply because their internal body structure (specifically their spine) is not equipped to withhold the force of a forward facing car accident until at least 2 years old. You could have the largest 18 month old, but internally, they are basically all the same.

My DS is 21 months and still rear facing. His legs are scrunched up. He doesn't complain thankfully, but **I** find it really uncomfortable to get him in and out of the seat, especially since the seat is in the middle in the back and I am pregnant, so it's extra uncomfortable. But I'm keeping him rear facing until at least 2 because I could never forgive myself if something happened to him for having him forward facing too early.

Yes you have to follow what you think is best. It's not a law in NY to have them rear facing until ANY age. The old 1 year rule was a recommendation as well as is the 2 year recommendation now. But just because it's not a law doesn't mean it's not what's best for your baby. All the safety experts whose job it is to soley focus on these things state that rear facing should be til at least 2 years old or until your child reaches the limits of rear facing for your particular seat (which very well could be longer than 2 years old!).

Please make a decision after you look at all the facts; not just based on what other parents have done in the past.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Posted by janedoe

Thank you for all the opinions and the link! I will read the link ASAP!
I want to do what's safest for DD.
I think I am just really missing my bucket seat.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Posted by LoveyQ

I think what a lot of people miss about the recommendation for rear facing until 2 years old is that it has nothing at all to do with your child's height or weight. It's simply because their internal body structure (specifically their spine) is not equipped to withhold the force of a forward facing car accident until at least 2 years old. You could have the largest 18 month old, but internally, they are basically all the same.

My DS is 21 months and still rear facing. His legs are scrunched up. He doesn't complain thankfully, but **I** find it really uncomfortable to get him in and out of the seat, especially since the seat is in the middle in the back and I am pregnant, so it's extra uncomfortable. But I'm keeping him rear facing until at least 2 because I could never forgive myself if something happened to him for having him forward facing too early.

Yes you have to follow what you think is best. It's not a law in NY to have them rear facing until ANY age. The old 1 year rule was a recommendation as well as is the 2 year recommendation now. But just because it's not a law doesn't mean it's not what's best for your baby. All the safety experts whose job it is to soley focus on these things state that rear facing should be til at least 2 years old or until your child reaches the limits of rear facing for your particular seat (which very well could be longer than 2 years old!).

Please make a decision after you look at all the facts; not just based on what other parents have done in the past.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

we switched to forward facing at 17 months. our personal preferance for our child. he is a happy camper

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Posted by LoveyQ

I think what a lot of people miss about the recommendation for rear facing until 2 years old is that it has nothing at all to do with your child's height or weight. It's simply because their internal body structure (specifically their spine) is not equipped to withhold the force of a forward facing car accident until at least 2 years old. You could have the largest 18 month old, but internally, they are basically all the same.

My DS is 21 months and still rear facing. His legs are scrunched up. He doesn't complain thankfully, but **I** find it really uncomfortable to get him in and out of the seat, especially since the seat is in the middle in the back and I am pregnant, so it's extra uncomfortable. But I'm keeping him rear facing until at least 2 because I could never forgive myself if something happened to him for having him forward facing too early.

Yes you have to follow what you think is best. It's not a law in NY to have them rear facing until ANY age. The old 1 year rule was a recommendation as well as is the 2 year recommendation now. But just because it's not a law doesn't mean it's not what's best for your baby. All the safety experts whose job it is to soley focus on these things state that rear facing should be til at least 2 years old or until your child reaches the limits of rear facing for your particular seat (which very well could be longer than 2 years old!).

Please make a decision after you look at all the facts; not just based on what other parents have done in the past.

Message edited 12/27/2011 2:31:00 PM.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

PS.. DD1 is turning 4 next month. And still RF.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Posted by tarabelle99

Posted by LoveyQ

I think what a lot of people miss about the recommendation for rear facing until 2 years old is that it has nothing at all to do with your child's height or weight. It's simply because their internal body structure (specifically their spine) is not equipped to withhold the force of a forward facing car accident until at least 2 years old. You could have the largest 18 month old, but internally, they are basically all the same.

My DS is 21 months and still rear facing. His legs are scrunched up. He doesn't complain thankfully, but **I** find it really uncomfortable to get him in and out of the seat, especially since the seat is in the middle in the back and I am pregnant, so it's extra uncomfortable. But I'm keeping him rear facing until at least 2 because I could never forgive myself if something happened to him for having him forward facing too early.

Yes you have to follow what you think is best. It's not a law in NY to have them rear facing until ANY age. The old 1 year rule was a recommendation as well as is the 2 year recommendation now. But just because it's not a law doesn't mean it's not what's best for your baby. All the safety experts whose job it is to soley focus on these things state that rear facing should be til at least 2 years old or until your child reaches the limits of rear facing for your particular seat (which very well could be longer than 2 years old!).

Please make a decision after you look at all the facts; not just based on what other parents have done in the past.

If others state that they turned their child at X age, ask how many accidents they were in. There are cases of children suffering broken necks in crashes as slow as 30mph. That's how fast most of us travel down our neighborhood streets.

Message edited 12/27/2011 2:35:00 PM.

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

DS is 19th months and has been consistently off the charts in weight and height, he is HUGE for his age! He will remain rear facing as long as possible. He sometimes sits indian style or puts his feet on the seat. I am very laid back about a lot of things but not when it comes to his safety. I want to do everything I can to protect him.

I am sure it would be more convenient/easier for us to put him ff but to me I would rather be inconvenienced knowing he is as safe as possible. JMHO

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Re: Car seat rear facing question???

Posted by tarabelle99

Posted by summerBaby10

Posted by tarabelle99

PS.. DD1 is turning 4 next month. And still RF.

would you mind sharing which car sear you have? tia

We just switched DC #1 at 23 months but now I'm thinking we should have waited a little longer, at least until DC#2 arrives in 6 months.

We have MyRides for her, they're the seats she prefers, most leg room, nice recline and most important to her? Cup holders.