Above all, you do you. But here are some facts on why it’s safest way to prevent a traumatic injury in the event of an accident, and why it’s MY personal choice to keep them rear facing until 4👇🏼
1. A rear-facing car seat will absorb most of the crash forces and supports the head, neck and spine. When children ride forward facing, their heads (which for toddlers are disproportionately large and heavy) are thrown forward, possibly resulting in spine and head injuries.
2. Toddlers are not small adults, their body is still developing. And these developmental changes make them more vulnerable. A toddler’s vertebrae are connected via cartilage rather than ossified bone. Those connections are slowly closing over time. This shows that before age two, NONE of the cartilaginous spaces have completed ossification and it SLOWLY happens over AGE, no matter how tall they are! So children under 4 are at a higher risk for internal decapitation, and of rupture of the the spinal column, resulting in paralysis or death from crashes when front-facing.
3. Evidence does not support that children will suffer leg and foot injuries if their feet touch the seat.
4. There are no known harmful effects of riding rear-facing longer. Children have many ways of making themselves comfortable when facing the rear and can ride safely that way. Long legs aren’t a reason to front face. In fact leg injuries are more likely in a front facing crash too! Simply cross applesauce!
5. Many car seats manufacturers have created seats that allow children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 40 to 50 pounds, meaning most kids can stay rear facing until about 4 years old in the right car seat.
In conclusion, as with everything regarding your child, it’s your choice. Let’s start by respecting choices. But I get asked this WAY too frequently so happy to share why I personally keep them rear facing longer. Which I wouldn’t have known if others hadn’t shared online 🤍
Send to someone who may need this info!
It`s interesting!