Calling Trina, Calling Trina ... Carseat Question
Moms View Message Board: Parenting Discussion: Archive July-December 2005:
Calling Trina, Calling Trina ... Carseat Question
Hi there, Trina,
I'm sure you've been asked this many times before, but since I can'tremember the answer, I'm going to ask.
Helen's in a Cosco Convertable Carseat (You know, because you were nice enough to help me out with dupliacate instructions). She is one year old and 23 1/2 pounds. She has no problem being in the rear facing position so I have not yet turned her. Is there any advantage to keeping her rear facing? We have a Nissan Quest with 2nd row captain's chairs that recline, so her feet are not touching the back of the seat.
Is she still safer rear facing or does is not really matter at this point?
Thanks!
Ame
I have a question that I was going to post, too, Ame! I don't know if I should start a new thread or not, so I'll just overload Trina with questions here. I know I'm going to keep her rear-facing to 30lbs., but MY question is: Natalie is 22lbs, 15mths., BUT I noticed yesterday that her carseat is still reclined also. Should it NOT be reclined now, or does it matter? Is it just a comfort issue?
Thanks a lot!
Thumbs up to both of you for keeping your babies rear facing!  Yes, they are safer that way. Here is the policy statement from the AAP:
Selecting and Using the Most Appropriate Car Safety Seats for Growing Children: Guidelines for Counseling Parents
"Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 lb to decrease the risk of cervical spine injury in the event of a crash. Infants who weigh 20 lb before 1 year of age should ride rear facing in a convertible seat or infant seat approved for higher weights until at least 1 year of age. If a car safety seat accommodates children rear facing to higher weights, for optimal protection, the child should remain rear facing until reaching the maximum weight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back."
More expert recommendations:
Rear-facing - Unmatched Safety
Ame, how much do you have your vehicle seats reclined? It's OK to recline them a *little bit* (one, maybe two notches) but not recommended otherwise. It's perfectly OK if her feet touch the back of the seat. There are no documented cases of broken legs, but even so, broken legs are much easier to fix than a broken spine.
Reds, Rear facing seats should be reclined between 30-45 degrees. Closer to 45 degrees for a newborn but it's OK to go to a 30 degree recline for older babies.
HTH
Thank you!!!
Not much. Thanks for the info. I think the top is rear facing to 30 pounds. We'll see how long she lasts ...
Ame
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