The safest practice, and the one recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer. You should only switch to a forward-facing seat once your child has outgrown these rear-facing limits. This is typically around age 2 or older, but the specific limits of your seat are the most important factor.
The primary reason for this extended rear-facing rule is safety. In a frontal crash—the most common and severe type—a rear-facing seat cradles the child's head, neck, and spine, distributing the crash forces across the entire shell of the car seat. A forward-facing seat restrains the child with a harness, but their head and neck are thrown forward, placing immense stress on the still-developing cervical spine.
Transitioning to a forward-facing seat is a significant milestone, but it should be dictated by your child's size, not their age. Always consult your specific car seat's manual and your vehicle's owner's manual for installation guidance. The following table outlines the general criteria for making the switch, but your specific model's limits are what you must follow.
| Criteria for Switching from Rear-Facing to Forward-Facing | Typical Range | Your Car Seat's Specific Limits (Check the Manual!) |
|---|
| Minimum Weight | 22-40 pounds | |
| Minimum Age | At least 2 years old | |
| Height Limit | Child's head is within 1 inch of the top of the seat shell | |
| Weight Limit (Rear-Facing) | Exceeds the maximum for the rear-facing mode (e.g., 40, 50 lbs) | |
Once your child does transition, ensure the forward-facing seat is installed securely using either the vehicle's LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) or the seat belt, and always use the top tether strap. This tether is critical for reducing the forward movement of the child's head in a crash.
