When Can I Turn My Baby Around to Face Forward in the Car?

Determining when a baby can face forward in the car is an important milestone for parents. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in rear-facing car seats until they have outgrown car seat height and weight limits of the seat.¹

While 1 year and 20 pounds used to be the standard for when to flip car seats around, most experts now recommend using rear-facing child seats until children outgrow the top weight and height recommendations of the car seat manufacturer. This means your child may be rear-facing until well beyond their second birthday.

There are some situations in which facing backward may seem uncomfortable for a child—like long road trips where it seems like the little one’s legs are cramped up against the back of the seat. You shouldn’t let the baby face forward in the car simply because they seem uncomfortable or don’t like to be rear facing.

Tots are generally very flexible and even when they seem cramped up by adult standards, they can actually be quite comfortable.

Adding a mirror that allows your child to see themselves (and you) while you are driving can help alleviate stress and boredom. And taking breaks during long trips can give your little one time to stretch their legs.

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1. American Academy of Pediatrics, “Car Seats: Information for Families," December 22, 2021. Accessed November 9, 2023.