So my sisters daughter just turned 2 weeks ago, and she is still rear facing, but she would like to move it front facing. They say now to have them rear facing as long as possible, She is 24 pounds and 30 inches tall. She has been asking people if they think it's ok, but she is torn. I told her I would ask all of you since many of you are mothers.

So, when did you change your toddlers to front facing? Do you think it's safe at her age and measurements?

The minimum law in most states is 1 year AND 20 pounds, but the current minimum recommendation is 2 years AND 30 pounds. Keep in mind that these are minimums.

Since she is not yet 30 pounds, I'd definitely leave her rear-facing as long as she is within the height requirement for rear-facing in her specific seat. Usually that means that she needs to have at least 1 inch of plastic shell that goes higher than her head. I'm sure at 24 pounds she is well within the seat's weight range for RF.

I think you should check your local laws. It will vary based on age or weight or a combination of both?

Good luck

Like mammasita said it all depends on local laws.

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/...child/laws.htm

Specific questions about child seats/booster seats should be directed to:
WINS (Wisconsin Information Network for Safety)
(1-866) 511-9467
[email protected]

You might call with her height and weight and see if there are recommendations beyond what is required by law. Also, she could check with her pediatrician.

I wouldn't turn a child around until they exceed the limits for their carseat. My daughter rearfaced in her Britax until she was over 3. There is no reason to turn them around before that, and it's so much safer. She never once complained.

This. Every step "up" in carseats is a step down in safety. If only we could all ride rearfacing...

I changed my son at age 2 and 40lbs (the maximum limit of his extended rear facing car seat, a Graco Myride65).

Rear is safer, and the longer you can keep them rear is the better -> within the guidelines of the specific car seat of course.

A lot of people have 'issue' with children facing rear past age 2, 1, or ****, even 6 months, because they are unaware how much more research has been done on car seat safety. I'm not sure if her girl is petite or not (mine is a monster at 40lbs) but I would not feel comfortable turning until the max limit.

I won't lie, it's easier to entertain them facing forward, but the safety benefits are worth it. I would not have turned my son at 2 if he was not the size of a 4 year old child.

I still have my 36 pound 3 year old rear facing. He really doesn't mind, as his big sister and brother then face him (in a minivan, he's in the center row). He has lots of legroom and is comfortable that way, so he'll stay until he exceeds the seat limit.

Oh, I found this, sorry this pic is so gigantic but it convinced me to keep my little man rear facing as long as possible: