To forward face 15 month old

[Ohtoeisme]

I know from the point of view of an accident we aren’t as safe; the problem is she has become car sick when rear facing and apart for it being unpleasant for her it’s also a choking hazard.

I don’t think I’m being unreasonable but I am worried about judgement, stupid really. I guess I’m wondering if you would judge!

The law is over 15 months or over 9kg. Don’t allow anyone’s judgement affect you.

Thanks, is it age or weight related or whichever comes first?

It's age first but weight as a second important criteria. So don't forward face an extremely light 18 month old. And it's illegal to turn a heavy 12 month old forward

It can be whatever comes first. The greater risk is choking, unless you are driving at speed/in icy conditions. So go with the choice that eliminates that.

I was under the impression that direction of travel made no difference to motion sickness. It is significantly safer to rear face as long as possible. Choking is only an issue if unconscious, babies are very good at protecting their airway, hence why they have a forward and sensitive gag reflex.

Thanks. She isn’t quite fifteen months and if I’m totally honest I don’t know how much she weighs! I don’t want to break the law but equally I can’t have her vomiting every time she’s in the car.

It really does!

If you are on Facebook there is a good group called Car Seat Safety UK. They have really good advice about rear facing and why it is safer.

15 months is legal, but very very unsafe. I fully urge you to reconsider this and do some research on how much safe rear facing is. It is 5 times safer for your little one to rear face.

I was a member there but I found it very aggressive and I definitely wouldn’t dare mention that I’m thinking about forward facing.

I get that Rebecca. I know what the official advice is but it’s awful dealing with a child being sick all the time, it really is. I don’t know if there is any way to make forward facing as safe as possible but I really can’t have her being sick all the time. I definitely can’t shrug and say ah well necessary evil.

depends if you have a height based or weight based seat.

You just need to risk assess for yourself and go on the manufacturer guidance if they are above the weight/height/age for forward facing with the seat you have. Ignore opinions from people who are not yourself

My DD was terrible for car sickness, to the point where it stopped us taking her places. She's 5 now and it's gradually improving. We still try to do long journeys at night and hope she sleeps for most of it. We did turn her forward facing as soon as we could - the choking risk seems significant given the lack of free movement, and she was often distressed. It did help. She was sick less, but it also made it easier for us to reassure her. We found putting her on the passenger side of the car helped. And keep a window open. I promise gets easier once they can communicate better how they're feeling.

Have you tried other things such as encouraging her to look outside, having no books/screens etc?

I’d do it as a last resort.

It's legal to do lots of incredibly dangerous things

OP please do your research properly and do not consider forward facing a child this young.

I had terrible motion sickness as a child and while it’s better now it is still bad if I’m in the back seat or have to face backwards (eg on a train) - I don’t know why there is a myth that facing forwards makes no difference: it’s one of the first pieces of advice given for travel sickness. Mine got better when I grew up and could sit in the front! It is miserable though, I feel really sorry for her .

Yeah I know it can do, I completely understand that. Please re-consider forward facing your baby at this stage. The government has an awful lot to answer for as the law is woefully inadequate. Legal doesn’t mean safe.

I’ve done research if research is that rear facing is safer than forward which it is. No ones disputing that. But I personally won’t be saying in effect oh well, I guess she’ll puke then!

My ds used to be violently sick when rear facing. Many adults can’t travel backwards for the same reason.

Have you tried rear facing in the front with airbag off?

https://axkid.com/uk/guides-tips/6-things-you-can-do-to-avoid-carsickness-for-children-in-rear-facing-car-seats/

I would try to keep her rear facing as long as possible. 15 months is the minimum. Under the age of 2 children are 5 times safer rear facing. Ultimately it is your decision and you need to weigh the risks of your own circumstances. I've linked an article with tips but realise at her age they might not all be helpful. (As far as judgment goes, we're all judged, all day long for everything we do! Seems to go with motherhood. Don't give that headspace)

No - it’s possible. It’s an Isofix - would have to look into how to do that.

Direction of travel does make a difference, which is why I cannot sit in a rear-facing seat on a train.

Thanks very much for that link @Circusmango , will have a look.