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

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When can babies face forward in car seats? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in rear-facing car seats until they have outgrown the car seat height and weight limits.1 Here's why.

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car seat with mother buckling in young daughter

Understanding the guidelines for front-facing seats

While being one year old and at least 20 pounds used to be the standard for flipping car seats around, most experts now recommend using rear-facing child seats until children outgrow the manufacturer's top weight and height recommendations. This change 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—such as long road trips when the little one’s legs are cramped 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 face the rear.

Tots are generally very flexible. 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 ones time to stretch their legs.

Safely switching your child’s seat

Best forward-facing car seat
Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
Graco 4Ever DLX
$299.99

*Amazon.com price as of post date. See full disclaimer.

When it's time for a new car seat that has to meet forward-facing car seat requirements, check out our car seat buyers guide to ensure you pick the right one for your child’s needs.

Once you make the switch, be sure to properly install the car seat in its new position, tightening all anchors and straps, including the extra tether if available.

You should place the forward-facing seat in the middle of the back seat. This will provide extra protection since that's the safest spot in the vehicle.

When you're done, head to your local fire or police station. Often, there will be someone on duty who is trained to check the safety of the car seat installation. You can also use the National Highway and Traffic Administration's car seat inspection site locator to find installation help in your area.

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Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

Related articles on SafeWise

Sources

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

Disclaimer

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Alina Bradford
Written by
Alina is a safety and security expert that has contributed her insights to CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, and many others. Her goal is to make safety and security gadgets less mystifying one article at a time. In the early 2000s, Alina worked as a volunteer firefighter, earning her first responder certification and paving the way to her current career. Her activities aren’t nearly as dangerous today. Her hobbies include fixing up her 100-year-old house, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.

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