forward facing car seat

[DesperateHousewifeIsXmasCrazy]

When did you put your DC in a forward facing car seat?

DS is nearly 6 months and around 19lbs. I went on mothercare website to have a browse and the forward facing car seats say from 9 months (aprx 20lbs) so not too sure what to make of this.
If I waited til he is 9 months he's sure to weigh more than 20lb, so do I go on age or weight?

Hes getting too snug in his upto 20lb car seat now.

The fire brigade told us that if the back of their head is still below the level of the top of their seat, it is still a good fit. They said that even if they are snug around the sides, or their legs seem too long, it is their head that is important, and it is far better to be tight in a car seat in an accident than loose.

You can always put him in without his coat, and tuck a couple of blankets around him in this chilly weather.

That said, we chose to get a Next Stage rear facing seat for our DD, who is now 2, and she will stay in it until she is about 4. These are more common in scandinavia than they are here, where they have a better child safety record (in car accidents) than we have here.

Have a read of this site for more information. It's definitely worth considering.

I too second rear facing for the next stage. We have a besafe iso. It's great!

Also the British Medical Journal has published this article which suggests that children should be kept rear facing for as long as possible.

I do appreciate though, that this can be an emotive subject on Mumsnet. The rear facing car seats are often (not always) more expensive than the forward facing seats. However, DH and I decided to take the advice and information given, and go for a rear facer. We have two cars, and couldn't afford to buy two of the special scandinavian style seats, so we have DD in a "stage 0-1" seat in my car, which is one of those which can be turned around after a certain time... we just aren't turning it round.

Also, she really isn't bothered about her feet, (which is what most people ask) she just keeps them tucked up.

Ah I had no idea about the head thing, thanks for that info pookamoo

I guess Ill wait til his head is poking out the top to get a new one then, its just another expense isnt it?

It is an expense worth spending, though!

Your local fire brigade can check the car seat for you, and confirm if it is still safe. They will also check (but not fit) car seats to make sure they are installed safely.

Please do consider the rear facing stage 2 seats!

I meant I wont go buying one yet, of course I dont mind spending a bit extra to ensure his safety!

Thank you for your help, I will consider the rear facing ones :)

I think you may be a little confused about the weight guidelines - the 9kg (20lb) is the minimum for forward facing, but the baby seats usually are suitable for babies up to 13kg (29lb) - so there is a bit of overlap there. Also I second what the above poster said about head reaching the top etc. 9 months is a minimum guideline age, rather than a target.

HTH :)

Thank you bertie when I put him in his yesterday I noticed his head is roughly 15cm from the top.

I'd third the rear facing till 4 seats :) I've got the besafe and KISS and am in Devon if anyone wants to try them out :)

DS2 is 6 months and hated his maxi cosi and screamed in the car.
I bought a rear facing fixed in the car seat (Britax first class) so I can keep him rear facing and will do as long as possible.
DS1 never used a carry car seat he always had a fixed rear facing one.
DS2 is much happier in his new car seat he has a bit more space width ways (he is short and chubby )and he can see what is going on better.