When to Turn the Car Seat Around

Some informative websites to check out:

http://www.usa.safekids.org/skbu/cps/infants.html

http://www.seatcheck.net/boostillinois.html

Pretty much, they state that your child should remain in the back seat and rear facing until 20lns and 1yr old, and longer if you have an adjustable seat.

Babies are extremely flexible -- I wouldn't worry about your child being uncomfortable. if you are worried about discomfort on a long car trip, then you could stop every hour or couple of hours and let him stretch his legs.

I was told that you should go by the weight when in doubt. So if your son meets the weight requirement, I would turn the seat around. It is still very important to have it at the right angle though, so his head doesn't flop forward, or he doesn't look uncomfortable. My suggestion would be to get it installed by the police or fire department, just to be safe.

I turned mine around at 11 months. He is tall and he too had very little leg room. Of course I worried a little about it too, but in the end, I felt ok making that decision since he was over the 20lb limit. He was clearly not comfy.

Please wait. His safety is more important than his feet curling up. My son was 30 inches by 11 months and I waited until he was 12.5 months to turn it.

Well, I think the law does say 12 months or 20 pounds whichever is later- so you could set yourself up for a ticket if you got pulled over.

As far as turning the seat, rear facing is safer for small kids, the only reason for the 1 year thing is becuase kids want to turn around by then, they are actually safer that way for much longer.

Is there any way to put the seat back lower? Is the seat at the proper angle? Maybe that would give him more leg room. Good luck!

I agree with Courtney. You really do need to wait to turn the seat around to forward facing. Illinois state law says the child needs to be over 20 pounds AND over 1 year old. Plus, as Courtney said it is much safer to be rear facing for even longer than 1 year/20 lbs. The reason is that rear facing at that 45 degree angle is SOOO much better on their neck if an accident were to occur. Their head and neck isn't whipped back and forth like it would be if they were forward facing. I know it can be hard when the baby doesn't seem real comfortable that way. I have a 10.5 month old and he leans forward like he wants to sit up more than that 45 degree angle (he's ALWAYS liked to be upright). But for safety's sake (and the law) he's gotta be reclined rear facing still. Hope this helps. And enjoy your trip! :)

My daughter was big enough by 10 months. But they say fro safety reasons that they have to be 20 lbs and 1 year or older. I would stick with those guidelines.