when to move in stage two car seat

[Babyramone]

My DD is about 8.4 kilos and 70cm in height and will be 1 on friday.
She is cruising well and although hasn't taken any independent steps can stand by herself for short periods.
Now she is obv still a little small for next stage car seat (is still in stage one and I've only just moved strapes to highest setting)
However a couple of other mums have said that the 9kg rule doesn't apply as she is pysically able to sit up, get on to knees etc.
Surely as she's on short side too is better to leave in stage one or should I move her?
Hope this makes sense

better to leave in stage one for as long as you can - rear facing is far safer in a crash for their necks. If they are lighter than the required weight the straps won't be as effective and her head will whip forwards and backwards in a crash.

My DT's were prem so didn't reach the 9kg's til late on, I moved one into stage 2 on his 1st b'day and one about a month or so later. the second lighter one, was pushing himself upright in his rear facing seat and i would get to where i was going and he would almost look like a tortoise with his chair on his back, so decided even though he was a few ounces short of 20lb's i would move him as he was safer being properly restrained in a forward facing seat. hope this helps

9kg rule still applies
forces in an accident don't care if she's walking or not

Thanks both of you that's what I'd thought.
TBH I have her in rear facing til 15 if I could

We changed seats when DS's head was half an inch from the top on the seat even though he hadn't reached the age and weight limits, we got him a seat that he can be rear facing in until he reaches 13kg and then forward facing after that. He's much happier and I know he safer, I want to keep him rear facing for as long as I can.

Yes, the 9kg minimum does apply to all children regardless of development, as that is the minimum the seat has been tested as safe. However a younger but heavier baby should be able to sit and hold his head well before changing. You are recommended to leave her rearward facing as long as possible safety-wise and some countries do so for toddlers too. Most infant carriers can last up to 10kg (Stage 0) or 13kg(Stage 0+), there is no hurry.