Here are some additional guidelines to consider when deciding when to turn your child to front-facing:
* Your child's age: As mentioned above, the NHTSA recommends that children stay rear-facing until they are at least 2 years old. However, some experts recommend keeping children rear-facing until they are 3 or even 4 years old.
* Your child's weight: Most convertible car seats have a weight limit of 40 pounds for rear-facing use. Once your child reaches this weight limit, they will need to be turned to front-facing.
* Your child's height: Some convertible car seats also have a height limit for rear-facing use. Once your child's head reaches the top of the seat, they will need to be turned to front-facing.
* Your car's safety features: Some cars have built-in child restraint systems, such as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or the UAS (Universal Anchorage System). These systems make it easier to properly install a car seat and can help to keep your child safe in a crash. If your car has these features, you may be able to turn your child to front-facing sooner.
It is important to note that turning your child to front-facing too soon can increase their risk of injury in a crash. If you are not sure whether or not your child is ready to face forward, consult with your child's doctor or a certified child passenger safety technician.
