Jeff Lupient: Switching to Forward-Facing Car Seats

Jeff Lupient Highlights the Importance of the Right Car Seat

The safety of your children should be of utmost priority, especially when it comes to riding a car. Choosing the right car seat and knowing when to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing is crucial for the well-being of your child. Rear-facing car seats are considered the safest option for infants and toddlers, as they provide superior protection in a crash. But there comes a time when your child needs to move to a forward-facing car seat.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, at least until they reach the age of two. They can also switch once they outgrow the limits to the height and weight set by the car seat manufacturer. When making the transition, Jeff Lupient asks parents to consider the following factors:

Height and weight limits

Refer to the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight restrictions. Only make the switch once your child exceeds these limits, not before.

Age and development

While age is not the primary factor, it’s a good guideline. Keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible, but at least until age two.

Legroom and comfort

According to Jeff Lupient, many modern car seats have extended legroom, so don’t worry about your child’s legs touching the seat back. They are more flexible and less prone to injury than their upper body.

Safety seat laws

Familiarize yourself with the laws in your area, as they may dictate specific requirements for car seat usage.

Car seat convertibility

Jeff Lupient advises parents to consider a convertible car seat that allows for both rear-facing and forward-facing positions, extending your child’s safety in the rear-facing position.

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Transitioning your child to a forward-facing car seat is a significant safety milestone. Still, it’s essential to prioritize their safety by adhering to recommended guidelines and not rushing this transition. Remember that every child is different, so make the switch when your child has truly outgrown the rear-facing seat according to the manufacturer’s specifications. For Jeff Lupient, safety should always be the primary concern regarding your child’s well-being in the car.

Transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing car seats is a critical step in your child’s growth and safety. While many parents eagerly anticipate the day their child faces forward in the car, it’s important not to rush this milestone.

Jeff Lupient says switching should prioritize your child’s safety, not convenience. Keep in mind that the rear-facing position remains the safest option for your child for as long as possible. The extended use of rear-facing seats is especially vital in protecting your child’s fragile neck and spine during an accident. Research shows that toddlers have a higher level of protection in rear-facing car seats, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

To read more insightful articles on buying cars and must-have accessories, make sure to stay updated with Jeff Lupient’s blog.

Jeff Lupient: Is Your Child Ready for a Front-Facing Seat?

Jeff Lupient: When to Turn a Car Seat Around?

Parents put a lot of thought into their newborn’s rear-facing car seat. It is a key item on every parent’s baby registry.

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Now that your baby isn’t a baby, you may wonder if it’s time for a forward-facing seat. Perhaps your baby has already reached their rear-facing car seat’s height and weight limit, and you’re wondering what’s next.

When should your baby’s car seat face forward? 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released recommendations for car seat safety in 2018. As part of their recommendations, they removed their previous suggestion that children remain rear-facing until age 2.

The AAP now recommends that children remain rear-facing until they reach their car seat’s height or weight limits. This will leave many children rear-facing beyond the previous age recommendation, explains Jeff Lupient. According to research, rear-facing car seats offer safer neck, head, and back support.

What does this mean for parents? Well, until your child has met the weight or height limits of their rear-facing car seat, Jeff Lupient says it is safer to keep them rear-facing. Once your little one has reached the weight or height limits for their rear-facing car seat — likely sometime before age 3 — they’re ready to face forward.

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What about their legs?

Many parents are concerned that their child’s legs need to be folded even before they reach the maximum weight or height for their rear-facing car seat, notes Jeff Lupient.

Children can comfortably sit with their legs crossed, extended, or hanging over the sides of the rear-facing car seat. Leg injuries are very rare for rear-facing children, according to an AAP study.

How long should my child remain in a forward-facing car seat?

Once your child has switched to a forward-facing car seat, safety experts recommend that they remain in it until they reach the weight and height limit provided by the manufacturer. This can take a couple of years as most forward-facing car seats can hold anywhere from 60 to 100 pounds, notes Jeff Lupient.

It’s important also to remember that even after your child has outgrown their car seat, they should still use a booster to ensure your car’s seat belt fits them properly, adds Jeff Lupient.

Children shouldn’t use seat belts until they’re around 4 feet 9 inches — generally around 9 to 12 years old, says Jeff Lupient.

What’s the best forward-facing car seat?

All certified car seats must meet safety requirements. The best car seat fits your vehicle and your child, and it is securely installed, explains Jeff Lupient.

For more discussions on car seat safety, features, and pre-ordering cars, follow this Jeff Lupient page.