Facing forward = happy baby???

DD is 13 1/2 mths...weighs 22 lbs and so far I have not turned her car seat around so she can face forward..purely because I think she is safer rear facing.

However she HATES her car seat...she cried non stop yesterday for 30 minutes and there was nothing I could do to console her.

She has always been miserable in her car seat so I wonder is she just not happy to be restrained in any way - hates to be restrained in her stroller or high chair or is it just because she cannot see me etc.

Any advice?

TIA

Re: Facing forward = happy baby???

IMO, I would leave her rear facing. I'd rather a safe baby any day. If she hates the stroller and high chair she'll probably still hate the car seat even if you turn it around. Have you seen this video? It changed my mind about turning the seat around. Have you tried giving her some kind of toy to play with or a book or something? Brendan hates being buckled in, but once I distract him with some kind of toy he's fine.

Message edited 3/14/2007 1:23:33 PM.

Re: Facing forward = happy baby???

I'd guess that if she hates her high chair and stroller, she is going to hate her car seat no matter which way it faces!

Re: Facing forward = happy baby???

Thank you ladies...you are probably right!! She is SO strong and will arch her back and scream when its time to go into the car seat...she will then be distracted for about 15 mins but after that its pure hell....I have given her tons of toys to play with but nothing works...she will cry and cry and cry.

I guess I will just have to tough it out as I am happier leaving her rear facing for now.

I guess I could just buy ear plugs