The 10 Worst Forward Facing Infant Car Seat Mistakes Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Why You Should Consider a Forward Facing Infant Car Seat Children younger than one year are not allowed to ride forward-facing. In the event of a crash, their weak neck muscles could be stretched and cause serious injuries. Switch to FF instead of FF when your child is at the maximum weight of their current seat or height (or the minimum for a new car seat). Please read your car seat instructions. Safety In the case of a collision, infant car seats are designed to protect the neck and head of your child. The forward-facing position will also prevent your child from slamming their head against the back of the seat which could cause serious injuries. All forward-facing infant seats feature five-point harnesses. They ensure the child's safety by simply pulling the straps. The carrier shell is lined in energy-absorbing foam EPS to offer better protection from impact. Some models also come with a canopy that provides shade from the sun. The most suitable infant car seats include an adjustable angle adjuster and an angle indicator. This allows you to set the correct angle for your child's neck to avoid it falling over in the event of an accident. The top tether strap connects to the tether anchor on the vehicle and extends from the top. It's important to keep in mind that your child may not need to switch to a forward-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight and height limit that is stated in the instruction manual of the seat you are using. When your child reaches 20 lbs and one year is over, it's time to switch. Infants and toddlers younger than one year old have loose, soft neck muscles that can cause whiplash in the event of a crash. They are more likely to suffer serious neck injuries when they are in a frontal crash (the most frequent and severe type). When kids under 1 year ride in a rear-facing car seat their heads are protected by the car seat and protected from sudden movements that could cause neck strain. When children move to a forward facing car seat, they need a convertible or an all in-one that has a heavy rearward weight limit and a high. They should not be moved to an adult car seat until they meet the high back or backless booster seat age and height requirements typically about age 4 or 5. These crash videos will help you understand the differences between carseats. But keep in mind that the footage has been slowed. A child could be injured in the event that they move too fast. Comfort A forward-facing infant car seat will keep your baby safe and comfortable during an accident. The seat has a soft headrest, body support cushion, and an EPS energy-absorbing foam shell that will keep your child safe from any impact. The seat also features five-point harnesses with simple one-pull tightening, and an adjustable center front adjuster to ensure your child is correctly positioned. A retractable sun canopy can shield your child from the sun. The seat can be secured to the belts of the vehicle to ensure security. It also has a locking clip which keeps the buckle secure when the seat is not being used. If your child is complaining of discomfort during a trip or seems to slump forward when they sleep, the angle of the seat could be too low for your child. This can be corrected by placing a tightly rolled towel underneath the front of your car seat. If this does not work, take your baby to Rockridge Kids and we will check the angle of the car seat. It is vital to keep in mind that children aren't ready to stand up and face forward until they are at least 20 pounds AND one year old (their necks aren't sturdy enough to withstand the force applied to them by a collision if they were to fall forward on their own). Some experts suggest taking longer to wait since the muscles and bones of young children are more flexible. Many parents choose to purchase convertible car seats that allows their babies to travel rearward-facing until they reach maximum weight or height limits. This lets parents enjoy the benefits a rear-facing seat for a longer period of time. It is also easier for them because they can easily switch their child's position from forward-facing to rear-facing when the child grows out of it. The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat gives your child 10 years of car seat usage with only one seat, from rear-facing infant (4-40 lbs) to forward-facing 5-point harness and high-back booster (30-100 lb) to a belt-positioning booster that is backless (40-120 lb). The Smart Fit system makes it easy to install. You can move the harness and headrest together without re-threading. Convenience A forward facing infant car seat is an excellent option when you're traveling with a child who is young. pushchairsandprams.uk lets you see your child's face while driving and allows all of your family members to get into the vehicle without disturbing your baby or toddler. This type of car seat can be used with strollers, making it easier to get your little one in and out of the car to go to the store for groceries or other tasks. But remember that even if your child is old enough to move to a forward-facing car seat it's safer to keep them rear-facing the longest time possible. From the point of view of crash tests, children's head is safer in the event of a crash if they face backwards. This is because the whole body — including the head as well as neck and torso is supported by the seat's back when they're facing in this direction. Review the directions of the manufacturer to see when you can rotate your child's seat. They usually have an upper weight and height limit that you should not go over, as well as specific rules regarding things like crotch buckles. These limits are meant to protect your child's safety as they develop. Another thing to think about is whether you own a vehicle that has an anchor for tethering your car seat. If you do, ensure that the tether strap is properly installed and secured to the anchor points of your vehicle as per the instructions in the manual of the seat. The last thing to do is make sure that the shoulder straps of the harness of your child are at or below their shoulders, and not too high or low. This will affect how they are secured in the event of an accident. A good choice for parents who have more than one child or plan to have more, is a convertible car seat. It is a one-stop car seat that starts by being an infant car seat that faces rearwards before moving your child to a forward-facing position when they're old enough and have reached the weight or height limit for the rear-facing car seat. Style You've put in a lot of time and effort deciding on the right car seat for your child. As your child gets older and outgrows their infant car seat you may wonder if it is time to flip the seat around. While the idea of facing your child forward is exciting, there are several important safety considerations to keep in mind. Children should be rear-facing until they reach the maximum height and weight limits for their specific car seat. Be aware that children differ in size and age, therefore you shouldn't base the decision to change to a forward-facing car seat on a specific date on the calendar, or if they've reached their limit of legroom. It might appear that a child is bigger in a rear facing car seat, but that doesn't mean that it's safe to turn the child around. Their spine and bones haven't yet fully developed. Some infant car seats have a built-in alarm to remind that your child to remain facing rear until they're at least one year old. This is because children younger than one year old do not have enough neck muscles to withstand a frontal impact that could cause serious spinal injuries. Many infant car seats are not only safe, but also easy to use. These include bases that stay connected to the car and snap out and in to allow you to transport your baby from car to stroller or back and are often paired with a frame stroller to form part of an overall travel system. If you're about to move your baby from a rear-facing convertible seat to a forward-facing one, ensure that you adhere to all the instructions given by the manufacturer. Also, make sure you check the tightness of your car seat. When properly installed, the car seat shouldn't move more than 1 inch side to side or front to back, and the harness straps must be at or above the shoulders of your child. If you have any questions or concerns about the fitting of your car seat, contact a certified safety technician in your area or the manufacturer of the car seat.