Yes, the car seat IS still rear-facing!

After writing the review of our new The First Years True Fit car seat (and the giveaway is STILL open!), a reader commented about how she noticed our car seat is still rear-facing. And our child is one year old.

Yes, I know that at one year, “technically,” you can front-face your child. According to some state laws, one year / 20 lbs is the typical benchmark for front-facing your car seat.

However studies show babies are up to FIVE times safer when left rear-facing until age two. Our baby is only 20 lbs and change anyway, so he barely meets the requirements for front facing as it is. But there are othe compelling reasons for leaving our baby rear-facing for as long as possible.

The laws of science come into play as to why rear-facing is better. In a crash, front facing passengers take the crash force in the shoulders and hips. But a baby’s body is not yet strong enough to take this force in distinct parts of the body, so a rear-facing seat will better distribute the force over the entire body.

And, just because your baby is walking and holding their head up now doesn’t mean their neck is strong enough to sustain a crash. A rear-facing seat will better protect a baby’s neck and head, since the crash force is better distributed.

Many rear-facing car seats now have higher rear-facing weight limits, 30, 35 or 40 pounds. So you should be able to keep your child rear-facing at least till age two and sometimes even beyond. I am NOT writing this to sound preachy, but only because some people may not be aware of these facts, or may be operating under previously suggested guidelines. Bt, the AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) now states (actually, as of April 2009)  in their guidelines that toddlers should stay rear-facing to the limits allowed by the car seat manufacturer, or at least until 2 years.

I know some people may have concerns that their babies fuss when rear-facing, or about the crash causing a broken leg. Reading I have done suggests if the crash is strong enough to break legs rear-facing, then it could do more serious damage if the child is front facing. Plus, children are typically way more comfortable sitting with legs up or crossed than we adults would be, because they are limber and flexible. I guess I am fortunate my baby does not yet fuss in his car seat. But even if he does, I’d rather deal with the fussing for safety’s sake.

So, yes, my car seat IS still rear-facing. If you have concerns about your car seat, be sure to find certified passenger safety technician near you!