But some things like when she graduates from a rear facing car seat to a forward facing car seat shouldnt be rushed. Forward facing seats fit children that weigh 40 to 80 lbsthe minimum weight in which children can use forward facing seats is 20 lbs 1.
Car Seat Safety Tips Children S Hospital Colorado
Height and weight to turn car seat forward. According to the rules a child under the age of 8 who weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and is under 4 feet and 9 inches tall must have a booster seat when in the car. The height limit for most rear facing car seats is that there must be at least 1 inch of room between the top of the childs head and the top of the car seat. Different models will have different weight requirements. Once your child outgrows these given limits a regular seat belt can be used. Children who have outgrown the rear facing weight or height limit for their car seat should move to a forward facing car seat with a 5 point harness and top tether. Children are safer riding rear facing and should ride rear facing as long as possible until they reach the maximum rear facing height or weight rating for their car seat.
Most convertible seats allow children to sit rear facing up to 35 40 or 50 pounds. This usually means around 40 to 50 pounds and up to 44 to 49 inches tall depending on the make and model. The safest place for a child under 12 stated by law is in the back seat. Once your baby has reached the limit for their rear facing only seat often. If your infant arrives early how do you safely accommodate a premature baby in a car seat. Similarly the transport canada website states that children who have outgrown their rear facing seat and weigh at least 10 kg 22 lb may ride facing the front in a child car seat crossfield notes that in rare cases this could mean a four month old baby could be legally facing forward.
This inch ensures that as the child slides up the seat in a crash his head will stay protected. Do not use the seat in a forward facing position until your child reaches the required weight. Use this seat for as long as possible up to the highest weight or height allowed on the seats label. Legs bending or pushing on vehicle seats is not a safety concern or a reason to turn forward facing durocher says. These seats are designed to be carried outside of the car so they typically feature lower weight and height limits.