Why rear face until 4?

Basically, max out rear facing for completely head to toe protection. The spine of a child has just started to fully ossify at 3-4 years old so that’s why rear facing to 4 is recommended. As for legs, there’s no documented case of any injury happening to a child’s legs due to being cramped in a rear facing seat.

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How long should a child be rear facing? While many state laws still say the minimum is one year and 20 pounds, the American Academy of Pediatrics has finally made more known their recommendation to keep children rear facing for as long as possible — but at least until they are 2.

Why are rear facing car seats better for children? That’s because a rear-facing seat spreads the crash force more evenly across the back of the car seat and the child’s body. It also limits the motion of the head, reducing the potential for neck injury, and keeps the child more contained within the shell of the child restraint.

What happens to a rear facing baby in a car crash? In a frontal crash, when everyone moves to the point of impact–the front of the car–a rear-facing baby will move in a different way. A rear-facing baby will move into the back of his car seat and will slide gently up the car seat.

When to put your child front facing in a car? All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection. Safely transporting children has come a long way from the days when would put a baby front-facing at age 1 and 20 pounds.

Why should I Keep my Child rear facing?

Why should I Keep my Child rear facing? Simply children are safer riding rear facing rather than forward facing. “A rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash, because it distributes the force of the collision over the entire body,” said Dennis Durbin, M.D., FAAP.

How soon can I Turn my Baby front facing? Legally you can currently turn your baby forward facing once they weigh 20lb/9kg and they must also be sitting completely unaided for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you are using an i-Size car seat, you must legally rear face until a minimum of 15 months.

How long should children ride facing the back of the car? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should remain rear facing until they are at least 2 years old. Every child is different, please check with your doctor about whether forward or rear-facing is the best choice for your child and vehicle.

How long do babies stay in car seats rear facing? All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more.