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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think he shouldn’t be forward facing??

75 replies

Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:07

At age two?

Told that if legs are longer then shouldn’t be backward facing as it’s dangerous. I thought backward facing was supposed to be the way as long as possible?

OP posts:
SaltySallyAnne · 14/10/2024 16:07

YANBU, we are still RF DD and she is 5. Will be RF until at least 6/7.

RF is safer in every way possible.

Osirus · 14/10/2024 16:08

Who told you that? They were wrong.

narns · 14/10/2024 16:09

We're going to rear face until around 4 (when DD will grow out of the seat) and reassess then. Do your own research and decide what you're comfortable with. It isn't really anyone else's business.

EdithGrantham · 14/10/2024 16:09

Rear-facing is safest, who is telling you otherwise? I've had questions over how long DD will be rear-facing and I've said until she outgrows her seat, probably at around age 7. Had some surprised looks but I just point out that at that point she can go in a high-back booster and I'm not going to spend more money on a FF seat if I don't have to.

Chillisintheair · 14/10/2024 16:10

Who is ‘he’ to you?

Legally he can be forward facing in England. It isn’t the safest choice but that’s down to the child’s parents to agree or disagree with.

TallulahBetty · 14/10/2024 16:11

Better to break legs than a neck.

Original poster
Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:12

The guy in the shop said his legs were too long and were bent when rear facing so he should be turned

OP posts:
traybake81 · 14/10/2024 16:12

who are you in this equation?

Your own child? do what the heck you like
anyone else’s? butt. out

traybake81 · 14/10/2024 16:13

Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:12

The guy in the shop said his legs were too long and were bent when rear facing so he should be turned

go to another shop and get their opinion

Original poster
Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:13

His legs are very bent backwards facing is that ok?

OP posts:
traybake81 · 14/10/2024 16:13

do you have a photo?

ARichtGoodDram · 14/10/2024 16:14

Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:12

The guy in the shop said his legs were too long and were bent when rear facing so he should be turned

Halfords?

Many places are utterly clueless about RF.

Deliberately so in some places that don't sell ERF seats

A bit like M&S will fit you in a bra in their store regardless if they have one that actually fits some car seat sellers will say what they need to to get you to buy a new one from them

MaryShelley1818 · 14/10/2024 16:15

Parents choice. Nobody else's business. Rear facing is the safest choice, forward facing in a well fitted car seat is still very safe.
When we were kids we sat in the boot of a hatchback....now this is questionable!
Do your research and make your own decision .

ARichtGoodDram · 14/10/2024 16:15

Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:13

His legs are very bent backwards facing is that ok?

Good images of rear facing car seats if you don't want to post a pics

For many children it's actually more comfortable to have bent/folded legs than them hanging down FF.

Original poster
Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:15

Can his legs be folded a bit backwards facing?

OP posts:
ARichtGoodDram · 14/10/2024 16:15

*google images

ForkMeImToast · 14/10/2024 16:16

My 91st centile for height 5 year old is still rear-facing. It's more comfortable than having legs dangling while forward facing.

MrsSunshine2b · 14/10/2024 16:16

Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:15

Can his legs be folded a bit backwards facing?

Yes. It's completely safe for them to travel with bent legs. He should be RF until at least 4, and as long as possible.

Original poster
Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:17

Thanks this is what I thought

OP posts:
AffableApple · 14/10/2024 16:18

There are good facebook groups about rear facing which will tell you that yes, rear facing with bent legs, is how it should be. Broken legs heal. Nothing you can do if a kid doesn't survive a crash.

RockahulaRocks · 14/10/2024 16:19

There’s a number of extended rear facing groups on Facebook who have pinned resources for advice so you can do your own research. DD is a 4.5 and rear facing, she crosses or bends her legs naturally and has never complained of being uncomfortable. Axkid (one of the Swedish manufacturers) have a load of You Tube videos showing the benefits of rear facing in crash tests.

Original poster
Georgiiii · 14/10/2024 16:21

To clarify, nobody needs to convince me about rear facing. I was just confused by what I was told in store.

Thanks all

OP posts:
DragonGypsyDoris · 14/10/2024 16:24

SaltySallyAnne · 14/10/2024 16:07

YANBU, we are still RF DD and she is 5. Will be RF until at least 6/7.

RF is safer in every way possible.

Not being goady (mine are much older) but where do you put a 7 y/o's legs if they are rear facing? Wouldn't they get cramp if they're unable to stretch?

MrsSunshine2b · 14/10/2024 16:27

DragonGypsyDoris · 14/10/2024 16:24

Not being goady (mine are much older) but where do you put a 7 y/o's legs if they are rear facing? Wouldn't they get cramp if they're unable to stretch?

Show quote history

No, it's actually more uncomfortable for them to have their legs dangling. Watch a 7 year old sitting, they sit in all kinds of crazy shapes. They are much more flexible than adults.

https://erfmission.com/rear-facing-legs-go/