Updated with this note - Several people have commented that they didn't know this type of carseat can be rear-facing. Well, they can't be if you only have a forward-facing one. You need one that is called a convertible carseat and it is made so you can put it either rear-facing OR forward facing.
I've done a post on this before - about how it is safer to keep your children rear facing even though they are over 1 yr. old or are out of the standard rear-facing infant carseat. You can read that post here if you're interested. Anyways, the gist is that it is far safer to keep your children rear facing for as long as possible - after all, what would you rather have...broken leg(s) (which could happen in the rear facing position and which HEAL), or a spinal or neck injury (which most likely WOULD happen in the forward facing position and is MUCH more serious and could possibly never heal)?? And of course, it's up to the parents about how they'd like to do this carseat thing...but I know that I'd rather be safe than sorry. I've had a couple people say things to me like "well, sometimes you just need to trust in God's sovereignty, and that He will keep your children safe, etc.)...I agree! But I also think we need to use our brains, and our common sense and do what we think is the safest option...God gave us minds for a reason. :)
So anyways!! Tate is now rear-facing in the toddler carseat (or whatever you call these...most people only use them for forward facing, if they have another infant carseat. But we are going to keep Tate rear-facing probably until he hits the weight limit for this seat. Then we're planning to get a forward facing carseat with a 5 point harness that goes up to (I think) 65 pounds, so no booster seat for us after this one's done with. (this one that we have now only goes up to 40 pounds)
Here is Tate trying out the new carseat just after we got it...
He doesn't mind being rear-facing at all. And he has never been forward facing, so he doesn't even know the difference. He still looks out the windows, etc. while he's rear-facing and since this one is a little less slanted he seems to like the fact that he can see more out the side windows! And you can see that his knees are bent - but he never seems to mind at all. Usually he just kinda crosses his legs in the seat. So it works just fine, and I am definitely happy we are going this route, because it truly is safer.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Still Rear Facing...
Posted by Andrea at 7:35 PM
Labels: Information, Safety
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10 comments:
I think we all think differently.. and if you think thats best for your lil man than by all means go for it.
But I think its important to not think poorly of those who dont do that.. cause Im sure most dont.
I just think its important to have them buckled correctly.
I have always been one that couldn't wait till my child turned one years old so that I could face them to the front. They all were so much happier being able to look forward, and it made it easier for me to have access to them. Once they were facing forward, anyone could hand them a toy, a sippy cup, a snack, etc.
I'm glad that we all have the freedom to do what works best for our family. :)
I agree with both of you...and I definitely do not think poorly of people who do put their kids in forward facing positions earlier on. I just think that rear-facing is a lot safer, and for us, it is the decision that we have decided to go for - for the safety reason alone.
I didn't even know you could put that seat facing the back. Thanks for the information. I will have to talk to the hubs about this one.
The nice thing about being a mommy is that you can figure out what works best for you family. Every family is unique and what works for my family won't necessarily work for anyone else. To me, one of the great things about our world is that we all have the choices to do what we think is best and right. I love that you share your opinions and feelings with us. Riley is still rear facing (he is over 20 pounds, but he is not one year yet). I am sure we will turn him soon after he turns one year because he is so long. He is probably as tall as Tate is now. This happened with both my kids- they just run out of leg room because they are so tall.
Thanks for the information!!
Oh wow...I didn't even know that those seats were able to face backwards...this was an intersting post!!!
HmM! I can understand where your coming from. I've never even heard of having it rear facing when they're that big though.
My kids would freak out though - Landen used to SCREAM, when we finally put him face forward, he was the happiest little guy ever.
I'm glad it's working and I might just have to do a little research on this whole idea.
What about long trips? Doesn't his legs get cramped sitting crossed like that?
Good for you! We believe that too. Grace is in a Britax Marathon rear facing at 21mo old. I will keep her that way as long as possible. If anyone doubts this, you can visit carseat.org and all of the car seat inspectors agree to keep them rear facing for as long as possible. Like you said its better to have a broken leg than a broken neck.
I think its interesting that everyone seems to think this is about opinion or 'what works foe me'. In reality, if parents were actually well informed about car seat safety, they would make better choices.
My child's safety is not about convenience.
What an interesting post and the comments that have come forth with it.
I think the only real true crime is for those out there (as in a wide generalization) who have not taken the time to read the seat manual, adhere to the weight recommendations (for example, one of my car seats; rear facing is a maximum of 22 lbs and minimum 22 lbs forward facing)and follow it up by a proper inspection to ensure that the seat has been installed correctly. It is also important to realize that even if it has been installed correctly, that the seat should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that none of the straps have started to loosen due to wear and tear.
Sadly, many carseat accidents that have occurred resulting in serious injuries could have been prevented with proper education and installation.
In Canada, fire departments, police stations and public health units usually offer bi monthly inspections and education courses.
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