but we are considering turning DD carseat around. :hide: She just is getting more and more cranky it seems being rear facing. And sometimes I wonder what's more dangerous for her being FF or having mommy so distracted while driving.
Am I the only one who had turned there kid early 'cause of this? She is 14 mo and 25lbs. I don't know what to do I just think she might be happier if she could see me!
MarinesFamily5
03-13-2008, 04:14 PM
I understand!
no flame here for sure...
but have you tried mirror toys that hang in front of her? Some have lights too and I know when my DD was starting her "scared of the car in the dark" phase, we let he play with a kids flashlight toy thing that calmed her.
if they don't work and you feel you need to turn her then. In the end regardless of whats said remember... SHE IS YOUR DAUGHTER do what you think is best for you and yours...
mama2cody
03-13-2008, 04:21 PM
Honestly, that's not early :dunno: The soonest that's recommended is 12 months/20 lbs. So I say, don't worry about it. No flames here either.
l_Kimmie_l
03-13-2008, 04:27 PM
If that is early I am gonna get really flamed...LOL!! I turned my DS at 4 mos as he was 20 lbs. He was so long ( 23 inches at birth) that he could not fit in the car rear facing. He screamed and would not put his legs up the back of the seat. I talked to the pedi and the police...they said it was best to turn him around as it was more safe for him and I. I say do it. At 14 mos she is more than ready to see the world. JMO :)
startingagain
03-13-2008, 04:27 PM
unless they changed the requirements - it was 1 year and 20# when DS was a little one.
So I say - go for it! :thumbsup:
JustAugust
03-13-2008, 04:41 PM
If she meets the requirements, 20lbs and 12 months, then I think it's okay. We did the same thing. We had to wait until 13 months because Jack wasn't 20lbs yet, but then we turned him. The screaming was one thing, but also because his new carseat didn't fit RF in our car.
Calideedle
03-13-2008, 04:46 PM
That is very common at that age, for a child to start fussing and such. It should pass.
I personally would not turn before 2yrs, way too much risk in a crash :goodvibes:
Jenifer
03-13-2008, 04:49 PM
If that is early I am gonna get really flamed...LOL!! I turned my DS at 4 mos as he was 20 lbs. He was so long ( 23 inches at birth) that he could not fit in the car rear facing. He screamed and would not put his legs up the back of the seat. I talked to the pedi and the police...they said it was best to turn him around as it was more safe for him and I. I say do it. At 14 mos she is more than ready to see the world. JMO :)
uhhh thats illegal mama:goodvibes: the police officer was wrong..
That is very common at that age, for a child to start fussing and such. It should pass.
I personally would not turn before 2yrs, way too much risk in a crash :goodvibes:
:yeahthat: i sure hope they change the minimum.. that or start a campaign about how much safer RFing is..
comming from a mama whos kiddo sees the world rfing at 18 mos:goodvibes:
Calideedle
03-13-2008, 04:50 PM
:yeahthat: i sure hope they change the minimum.. that or start a campaign about how much safer RFing is..
comming from a mama whos kiddo sees the world rfing at 18 mos:goodvibes:
Yeah there has been a lot of talk of changing it to 2yrs and 30lbs! I am praying it is changed!
Jenifer
03-13-2008, 04:51 PM
Yeah there has been a lot of talk of changing it to 2yrs and 30lbs! I am praying it is changed!
me too!! oh and did i tell you that Samonia Marathon came and it IS for up to 35lbs!!! im so happy!! the manf date was feb 12 of 08!!! it was JUST made!!
OneFabMama
03-13-2008, 04:53 PM
No flames from me. But, I think it is important to be rear-facing as long as possible. IMO, "seeing the world" isn't nearly as important as safety. They have plenty of time to see the world - outside of a moving vehicle!!!
My DD went through a fussy stage. I just made it a point to bring some books/toys/sippy cup in the car to keep her occupied. She is now almost 3, still RFing and doesn't mind one bit.
Indianamom*2
03-13-2008, 04:54 PM
If that is early I am gonna get really flamed...LOL!! I turned my DS at 4 mos as he was 20 lbs. He was so long ( 23 inches at birth) that he could not fit in the car rear facing. He screamed and would not put his legs up the back of the seat. I talked to the pedi and the police...they said it was best to turn him around as it was more safe for him and I. I say do it. At 14 mos she is more than ready to see the world. JMO :)
:thud:
At 4 months ?? Mama.... that is illegal. There is NO way that a police officer or a Ped should have told you to turn him.
I didnt know any better and turned DS at 8mo because he was over the 20# limit but there is NO WAY in you know where that I would turn a 4mo FF.
Im not flaming you and not trying to be mean but that is VERY dangerous. If their legs have to be crossed or propped up on the back of the seat then fine. Its MUCH safer for that than to have them FF way too soon !
Ooey
03-13-2008, 04:55 PM
I turned it around for the same reason right around a year old. She would scream and get super upset in the car and I couldn't handle it. We recently got her a DVD player for the car so we were able to turn the seat back around rear facing! She's now 21 months and 29lbs and we just turned it back around...i had this really horrible dream that my mom was driving with her in the carseat and got in a horrible crash....it scared the hell out of me and was enough to make me want to have her rear facing again, even if it's only for a few more lbs.
Calideedle
03-13-2008, 04:56 PM
me too!! oh and did i tell you that Samonia Marathon came and it IS for up to 35lbs!!! im so happy!! the manf date was feb 12 of 08!!! it was JUST made!!
Oh that is so exciting!!!!! Ava has a 35lb-er too - Im thinking she will be RFing until 5yrs :giggle2:
Indianamom*2
03-13-2008, 04:57 PM
No flames from me. But, I think it is important to be rear-facing as long as possible. IMO, "seeing the world" isn't nearly as important as safety. They have plenty of time to see the world - outside of a moving vehicle!!!
My DD went through a fussy stage. I just made it a point to bring some books/toys/sippy cup in the car to keep her occupied. She is now almost 3, still RFing and doesn't mind one bit.
DD is 12mo and I just weighed her and she is right at 20 in just a sposie and onsie so fully clothed probably around 21-22. She is getting to the fussy stage as well so we bring toys, snacks, music to keep her entertained because I intend to RF until the carseat limit of 35# which at this rate she will be 3-4yr before we are able to turn her around.
I would def keep her RF as long as possible. I second trying those mirrors.
Jenifer
03-13-2008, 05:00 PM
Oh that is so exciting!!!!! Ava has a 35lb-er too - Im thinking she will be RFing until 5yrs :giggle2:
HAHA! monia is a lightweight too!! She is about 20-21lbs at 18 months! she is a peanut!!
Ooey
03-13-2008, 05:01 PM
:threadhijacked: can someone tell me what the weight limit is for rear facing...is it 33 or 35lbs or is there one? I have a britax boulevard....
l_Kimmie_l
03-13-2008, 05:01 PM
That is what they told me then...it was 11 yrs ago. The laws were different then maybe? I know that it is 20 lbs OR 12 mos here still. At least that is what they told me at the Car seat saftey thing I went to. I have big babies so they tend to hit that 20 lb requirement early. This baby should not be as long as my first (different father) so he will be able to stay longer. I will have to also talk to the pedi (different pedi of course than before) and find out the laws and if they have changed. I have not checked since November...so they could have gone into effect in January. Thanks for hte info...i will get right on the research :)
Jenifer
03-13-2008, 05:04 PM
That is what they told me then...it was 11 yrs ago. The laws were different then maybe? I know that it is 20 lbs OR 12 mos here still. At least that is what they told me at the Car seat saftey thing I went to. I have big babies so they tend to hit that 20 lb requirement early. This baby should not be as long as my first (different father) so he will be able to stay longer. I will have to also talk to the pedi (different pedi of course than before) and find out the laws and if they have changed. I have not checked since November...so they could have gone into effect in January. Thanks for hte info...i will get right on the research :)
NO! it is NOT or, the person was misinformed, its AND mama i think you should check out youtubes rearfacing videos, it will give you a whole new perspective, Diana where are ya with your links!?!?!??!
Kaela- as for the Boulevard, it should say it on the side of the carseat, on the sticker, i know that the newer marathons were rated to 35, but im not familiar with your seat!:goodvibes:
Indianamom*2
03-13-2008, 05:05 PM
:threadhijacked: can someone tell me what the weight limit is for rear facing...is it 33 or 35lbs or is there one? I have a britax boulevard....
It depends on your carseat and when it was made.
This says 33#
Converts from rear-facing infant seat (5-33 lbs.) to front-facing toddler seat (22-65 lbs.)
http://store.babycenter.com/product/7365.do?intcmp=Store_BabyHP_ShopGuid
junejay4life
03-13-2008, 05:06 PM
[QUOTE=Jenifer;3032392]uhhh thats illegal mama:goodvibes: the police officer was wrong.. QUOTE]
Depends on the state. Here in michigan they don't say anything about being rear facing.
My kids fought if they were rear facing or forward facing. I wouldn't turn my kids around until they hit the carseat limits. (which for mine was/is 33lbs). they were atleast 2.
junejay4life
03-13-2008, 05:07 PM
No flames from me. But, I think it is important to be rear-facing as long as possible. IMO, "seeing the world" isn't nearly as important as safety. They have plenty of time to see the world - outside of a moving vehicle!!!
My DD went through a fussy stage. I just made it a point to bring some books/toys/sippy cup in the car to keep her occupied. She is now almost 3, still RFing and doesn't mind one bit.
I couldn't agree more!!!
naking
Ooey
03-13-2008, 05:09 PM
It depends on your carseat and when it was made.
This says 33#
Converts from rear-facing infant seat (5-33 lbs.) to front-facing toddler seat (22-65 lbs.)
http://store.babycenter.com/product/7365.do?intcmp=Store_BabyHP_ShopGuid
Ah thanks mamas! I didn't realize it's written on the side of the seat, and I lost the manual :hide:
Calideedle
03-13-2008, 05:10 PM
Ooey- the newer Marathons & BLVDs (made after 2/08) RearFace to 35lbs. All others RearFace to 33lbs.
crittercrazy3
03-13-2008, 05:10 PM
I really wouldn't do it, but if you must...
-
If that is early I am gonna get really flamed...LOL!! I turned my DS at 4 mos as he was 20 lbs. He was so long ( 23 inches at birth) that he could not fit in the car rear facing. He screamed and would not put his legs up the back of the seat. I talked to the pedi and the police...they said it was best to turn him around as it was more safe for him and I. I say do it. At 14 mos she is more than ready to see the world. JMO :)
That is what they told me then...it was 11 yrs ago. The laws were different then maybe? I know that it is 20 lbs OR 12 mos here still. At least that is what they told me at the Car seat saftey thing I went to. I have big babies so they tend to hit that 20 lb requirement early. This baby should not be as long as my first (different father) so he will be able to stay longer. I will have to also talk to the pedi (different pedi of course than before) and find out the laws and if they have changed. I have not checked since November...so they could have gone into effect in January. Thanks for hte info...i will get right on the research :)
it's not about weight, it's about their development. if i put a heavy 4 month old foward facing in a crash his head will get snapped right off his head. they just don't have that kind of control in their muscles. :goodvibes: :goodvibes: :goodvibes: :goodvibes: :goodvibes: :goodvibes:
i'm glad you're gonna research :mrgreen:
Ooey
03-13-2008, 05:10 PM
Ooey- the newer Marathons & BLVDs (made after 2/08) RearFace to 35lbs. All others RearFace to 33lbs.
:thanks: I knew you guys would know!
Jenifer
03-13-2008, 05:11 PM
[QUOTE=Jenifer;3032392]uhhh thats illegal mama:goodvibes: the police officer was wrong.. QUOTE]
Depends on the state. Here in michigan they don't say anything about being rear facing.
My kids fought if they were rear facing or forward facing. I wouldn't turn my kids around until they hit the carseat limits. (which for mine was/is 33lbs). they were atleast 2.
That is what they told me then...it was 11 yrs ago. The laws were different then maybe? I know that it is 20 lbs OR 12 mos here still. At least that is what they told me at the Car seat saftey thing I went to. I have big babies so they tend to hit that 20 lb requirement early. This baby should not be as long as my first (different father) so he will be able to stay longer. I will have to also talk to the pedi (different pedi of course than before) and find out the laws and if they have changed. I have not checked since November...so they could have gone into effect in January. Thanks for hte info...i will get right on the research :)
Just wanted to say its is 12months AND 20lbs - that is the very MINIMUM to be Forward Facing. The AAP and Carseat Manuals state it is best/safer to keep kids RearFacing to the Maximum weight limit of the seat (RFing limit)
:goodvibes:
l_Kimmie_l
03-13-2008, 05:22 PM
Thanks. My old sheet from November 2007 says "20lbs OR 12 mos old" it must be outdated. I will have to ask the pedi for a new one.
baby1577
03-13-2008, 05:31 PM
If someone offered me a million dollars to turn my child forward facing before the limits of their seat, I still wouldn't. To me, it is THAT important. If it isn't to someone else, I guess to each their own. To the OP, if you feel comfortable with it and you think it's the right decision for your family, go for it.
But, to turn a 4 month old forward facing is not only illegal, it's ignorant. Please research before you make huge, life-altering decisions like that. Don't listen to your pediatrician, or to a police officer that is obviously not to law savvy. Do your OWN research!:goodvibes:
thanks for finding that before i went searching! :thumbsup:
Jenifer
03-13-2008, 05:47 PM
If someone offered me a million dollars to turn my child forward facing before the limits of their seat, I still wouldn't. To me, it is THAT important. If it isn't to someone else, I guess to each their own. To the OP, if you feel comfortable with it and you think it's the right decision for your family, go for it.
But, to turn a 4 month old forward facing is not only illegal, it's ignorant. Please research before you make huge, life-altering decisions like that. Don't listen to your pediatrician, or to a police officer that is obviously not to law savvy. Do your OWN research!:goodvibes:
seriously, do whatever you wish. your baby. your the one who has to live with your choice. lets just pray you arent the mama holding her baby after her spine is internally decapitated. :thumbsup: :cry: i cannot even begin to imagine how the mamas that that happens to are feeling at that moment.:cry:
junejay4life
03-13-2008, 06:03 PM
I rearface my kids until the limits on my seats (which is 33lbs). my 5 year old is still in a 5 pt harness and so is my almost 4 year old. My son just got turned around only a few months ago.
I'm just stating that Michigan doesn't have the laws that it needs
junejay4life
03-13-2008, 06:04 PM
darn DS. Double post
junejay4life
03-13-2008, 06:07 PM
:headscratch:
seriously, do whatever you wish. your baby. your the one who has to live with your choice. lets just pray you arent the mama holding her baby after her spine is internally decapitated. :thumbsup: :cry: i cannot even begin to imagine how the mamas that that happens to are feeling at that moment.:cry:
I'm just trying to tell what the laws are here in michigan. They need to be changed.
I rearface my kids until they hit 33lbs. (which is the max on my carseats). My just about 4year old JUST got turned around a few months ago. And my DD2 will be staying rearfacing until she is 33lbs.
I'm just saying that in some states, it's isn't breaking the law. Even though it should be.
kissum
03-13-2008, 06:08 PM
You know, I just looked at Colorado and it says something interesting:
Forward Facing Seat
Kids between the ages of one and four and who weigh between 20-40 pounds must ride in a forward-facing seat.
wyldblueangel
03-13-2008, 06:12 PM
When a car hits something else at, say, 25 to 30 mph, it will come to a stop at a deceleration rate of about 20 or 25 G. But, due to the time lag between when the vehicle stops and the occupants eventually do, the head of a forward-facing adult or child may experience as much as 60 or 70 G. Even strong neck muscles of military volunteers cannot make a difference in such an environment. Rather it is the rigidity of the BONES in the neck, in combination with the connecting ligaments, that determines whether the spine will hold together and the spinal cord will remain intact within the confines of the vertebral column.
...
Real accident experience has also shown that a young child's skull can be literally ripped from its spine by the force of a crash. Yes, the body is being held in place, but the head is not. When a child is facing rearward, the head is cradled and moves in unison with the body, so that there is little or no relative motion that might pull on the connecting neck.
...
There are no magical or visible signals to tell us, parents, or pediatricians when the risk of facing forward in a crash is sufficiently low to warrant the change, and, when a parent drives around for months or years without a serious crash, the positive feedback that the system they have chosen "works" is very difficult to overcome. When in doubt, however, it's always better to keep the child facing rearward.
...
In the research and accident review I [Kathleen Weber] did a few years ago,2 the data seemed to break at about 12 months between severe consequences and more moderate consequences for the admittedly rare events of injury to young children facing forward that we were able to identify. One year old is also a nice benchmark, and the shift to that benchmark in the last few years has kept many kids in a safer environment longer and has probably saved some lives, some kids from paralysis, and some parents from terrible grief.
http://www.carseatsite.com/rear-face_article.htm
http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html
momahaylie
03-13-2008, 06:19 PM
if she meets the limits change her
crunchymomof3
03-13-2008, 06:20 PM
op :) if she meets the limits go ahead :goodvibes: no flames here
OneFabMama
03-13-2008, 06:22 PM
if she meets the limits change her
I just want to note the One AND 20 is JUST a guideline. Just because they are 20 lbs or a year old doesn't mean you HAVE to turn them around. Extended RFing is the safest way to go - fussy baby or not. :thumbsup:
OneFabMama
03-13-2008, 06:22 PM
You know, I just looked at Colorado and it says something interesting:
What in the heck? So bizzare. And, doesn't make me very happy to read that.
raelynn
03-13-2008, 09:51 PM
This is my favourite video on the importance of rear-facing. I had never heard of extended rear-facing with my DD and turned her at 8mos when she hit 20lbs and am so grateful that we never got in an accident. DS is 22lbs and 15 mos and is still RF.
No, but it does say PROPERLY RESTRAINED. THERE ARE NO child restraints sold in the United States that say a child under the ages of 1 can be sitting in the forward facing position. EVERY SINGLE instruction manual says something like "must be used in rearfacing position for a child less than 1 year old".
If you are using a seat FF before the child is one year old, you aren't using it properly, therefore you are breaking the law.
And seriously, it's not about the damn law. It's about your child's life!
Angel3167
03-13-2008, 10:39 PM
We have a mirror but she really doesn't care much about it I always bring toys but she chucks them. Of course I know she will be safer rear facing but so would not being in a car KWIM?
Thank you very much for your opinions. If you think of any other tricks that help you I'd love to know
momto3Es
03-13-2008, 10:41 PM
OP...most kids go through a I-hate-my-seat-so-I'm-gonna-scream-my-little-head-off stage (usually between 10 & 15 months).
Evie hated her seat for a long time. I finally figured out that a) she didn't like the recline angle and b) she preferred riding with her shoes off:giggle: .
-Blair-
03-13-2008, 10:44 PM
We have a mirror but she really doesn't care much about it I always bring toys but she chucks them. Of course I know she will be safer rear facing but so would not being in a car KWIM?
Thank you very much for your opinions. If you think of any other tricks that help you I'd love to know
Just wanted to give you :hugs: and say I hope you find a way to keep your LO rear facing! I know you want what's best for her and are struggling with this.
Maybe you could start a new thread asking for tricks to keep her occupied and content?
hmurrant
03-13-2008, 11:45 PM
http://www.carseatsite.com/rear-face_article.htm
http://www.car-safety.org/rearface.html
thanks for providing some helpful links and info on RFing! and :thumbsup: for being helpful in sharing your opinion, and not :poke: :nono: about it
zosiasmama
03-14-2008, 03:20 AM
Look here in post 11 for Di's list of helpful links:
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=346689
And to Chrtisty,
I know what you mean, DD is not happy being RF, but honestly she is just not happy in the car period. For me the first consideration is safety and she will stay RF'ing until she hits the weight limit of her seat. I force myself to endure her screaming and fussing, because it is just the safest thing. I would rather have her fussing and unhappy during a drive rather that face what could happen in an accident. They are still so little and really are fragile, especially in an accident. Their little bodies just don't have the proper muscle tone to be able to handle an accident well and if Rf'ing helps... then I am all for it.
ETA: her legs may looked cramped but they are not, they are criss-crossed and IMO a broken or cramped leg is better than the alternative in a crash.
Jenifer
03-14-2008, 05:10 AM
No, but it does say PROPERLY RESTRAINED. THERE ARE NO child restraints sold in the United States that say a child under the ages of 1 can be sitting in the forward facing position. EVERY SINGLE instruction manual says something like "must be used in rearfacing position for a child less than 1 year old".
If you are using a seat FF before the child is one year old, you aren't using it properly, therefore you are breaking the law.
And seriously, it's not about the damn law. It's about your child's life!
hey mama, that quote is junejaylife, not me:goodvibes: ITA with you. not the michigan "law"
amielia80
03-14-2008, 05:32 AM
[QUOTE=junejay4life;3032832]
No, but it does say PROPERLY RESTRAINED. THERE ARE NO child restraints sold in the United States that say a child under the ages of 1 can be sitting in the forward facing position. EVERY SINGLE instruction manual says something like "must be used in rearfacing position for a child less than 1 year old".
If you are using a seat FF before the child is one year old, you aren't using it properly, therefore you are breaking the law.
And seriously, it's not about the damn law. It's about your child's life!
exactly! thank you! Who cares what the laws say? We KNOW it is safer to be rear facing as long as possible ...
to the OP, do what works for your family. I personally would stand firm in this area becasue it is a safety isssue. Just like they need to hold my hand in a parking lot even if they don't want to and they throw a fit it is not a choice and they soon learn I am not gonna budge when it comes to safety KWIM? :)
xxMommato2xx
03-14-2008, 06:04 AM
my deal was not only the screaming but because my DS Jack has such long legs theys be all crammed with the seat back. It was very very very distracting and drove me bonkers. Im thinking he was right around 11 months when i moved him to forward facing because it was so dramatic for him to be read facing. he HATED it and i tried everything. toys. mirrors. you name it and he was not interested. as soon as I turned him around he was more comfortable and could see the world. and usually now he is pretty good in the car. USUALLY....lol
turtle2who
03-14-2008, 07:31 AM
I hope they change the law to 2 yo and 30 lbs. I plan on RF'ing our next little one as long as possible but I know dh will have a hard time accepting it. And other family will likely feel that it is weird too. I don't care- but it will make it easier to deal with if there is a law backing me up!
junejay4life
03-14-2008, 07:34 AM
I know who cares what the law says! But a lot of people look at THOSE laws, and think they are doing to right thing! That is the point that i'm trying to get across!
As i said before, My 5 year old can ride with out a booster at all with the current law, But I choose to keep her in a harness in a Regent. Where she will stay until she outgrows.
BUT many people around me, in my childrens schools, READ THE LAWS and think that it is safe that their child doesn't need to be in a seat because the law says so.
That is my point.
My kids are the safest place they can be :)
redneckmama
03-14-2008, 11:02 AM
I would say wait it out a little longer. My 15 month old has gone through the I-hate-the-car stage twice now. Once at about 10 months and once right about 14 months. Normally it takes a week or so, and then she's fine. I would just keep trying new toys, sippy cups, books, a mirror so she can see you etc. Is her seat still pretty reclined? Maybe try installing it more upright. My dd loves to look out the back of the car and wave at the other cars, so we have her seat at about 30 degress. She is 15 months and happily(most days) rf'ing. HTH and good luck on keeping her rf'ing!
ETA- I personally won't be turning dd until at least 2 years and 30lbs.
jackyl08
03-14-2008, 12:19 PM
I know it's tough to hear her unhappy, but I would be willing to bet, it's just a stage. They all go through the I hate my seat and anything that ties me down! I would definately put her more upright, try new books and toys, maybe even move the seat to another location in the car, for a change of scenery. I definately consider 14mths TOO EARLY to ff. Her spine is in no way ossified enough to withstand crash forces.
sahminaz
03-14-2008, 12:21 PM
At 14 mos she is more than ready to see the world. JMO :)
My 14 month old seeing the world while Rear Facing!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/sahminhawaii/coleseat-2.jpg
Angel3167
03-14-2008, 11:36 PM
She is still in the middle and still reclined all the way. I wasn't sure if it was safe to tip it up more. We have a Britax Marathon. Would you say it would be safer to put her by a window than to turn the seat, since they say the middle is the safest?
naivete
03-14-2008, 11:51 PM
honestly even if a big baby, I wouldn't turn under a year. Weight has nothing to do with the strength of the neck. And even if they're too long, it's safer for them to break a leg because they're sitting squished up then it is for them to break their neck.
And really if you want to stick with it, it's probably just a phase, and your kid will get used to it eventually. Is it boring? Yeah, but kids are versatile, and if you don't give in, it will get better.
baby1577
03-15-2008, 01:47 AM
She is still in the middle and still reclined all the way. I wasn't sure if it was safe to tip it up more. We have a Britax Marathon. Would you say it would be safer to put her by a window than to turn the seat, since they say the middle is the safest?
Yes. She is safer rear-facing by the window than forward facing in the middle. :goodvibes:
angeldelight
03-15-2008, 02:03 AM
In the UK our 1st stage carseats rear facing go upto 9 months then the majority are ff from 9 months. So i really dont see a problem with it x
baby1577
03-15-2008, 02:22 AM
In the UK our 1st stage carseats rear facing go up to 9 months then the majority are ff from 9 months. So i really dont see a problem with it x
that doesn't mean it's safe, or a good idea. a lot of laws aren't safe or up to date. :goodvibes:
Kanga
03-15-2008, 07:59 AM
If that is early I am gonna get really flamed...LOL!! I turned my DS at 4 mos as he was 20 lbs. He was so long ( 23 inches at birth) that he could not fit in the car rear facing. He screamed and would not put his legs up the back of the seat. I talked to the pedi and the police...they said it was best to turn him around as it was more safe for him and I. I say do it. At 14 mos she is more than ready to see the world. JMO
Not flaming or being mean, but you are horribly misinformed on carseat safety and should not be handing out any advice at all related to carseat safety. Also, your peds sheet is wrong. Plain wrong. I don't know how long the 20lbs AND 1 year minimum has been, but it was much before 11/07. They stated in our baby class when I was pg with dd1 that that was the nation wide minimum. She was born 10/05, so this must have been around 8/05?
To the OP - she'll get over it. Nothing is more important than her safety and well-being. The ONLY time I would EVER even consider turning a child before the limits of the seat is if I tried everything I could think of - books, new toys, dvd player, sitting in the back with her, etc and the dc still screamed so much that i thought there might be a possibility of psychological harm by remaining rfing. But it sounds like your dc is just mildy fussy. Why people go to their dr.'s for things not related to medical care, I'll never understand. Police are trained to 'get the bad guys', firemen are trained to fight fires, dr.'s are trained to prevent and treat medical conditions. Carseat techs, however are trained to (drumroll please) instruct others on proper install and use of carseats. I would not trust carseat advice from anyone who has not been through a class that certifies them as a carseat tech.
I never understood the "see the world" argument. My dc regularly tell me about the dog in the truck they see in the next lane over, the park we just drove by, thet Mc D's golden arch (:hide:), all the while still rearfacing. Seems to me they're seeing the world just fine. I suppose they might be able to see the world better if they were ffing, but they could see the world better if I let them roam the neighborhood by themselves too, yet I'm not about to let that happen for a loooong time.
rebeccah5
03-15-2008, 08:40 AM
To the OP, I would try just sticking it out and hoping the fussy stage will pass. My DS started getting fussy in the car around 1 y.o., I turned him FF (didn't know about the benefits of ERF and only went by the 1 yr 20 lb guidelines) and he was still fussy after he got over the initial new period. So when I read more about ERF and started educating myself more about carseat safety, I turned him RF again after he'd been FF for maybe almost 6 mos. He's been fine in the car. Actually I was surprised because he didn't even balk at being turned around again. It can be awkward to put him in his seat because his legs are getting long now, but it's worth a little extra effort to me. I also put him next to his big sister so he is pretty well entertained when we're on the road.
Actually, it's kind of nice in a way because when he drops his toys they can't fall too far out of his reach. As opposed to dropping them FF where they fall into the floor.
rebeccah5
03-15-2008, 08:42 AM
Also wanted to add that I also don't get the "seeing the world" argument. When I was a kid my uncle had a stationwagon with a rear row of seats facing the back. I always thought it was really cool to be sitting backwards. YK, Ds might not be "seeing the world" as in seeing what I'm seeing ahead of me, but there's still plenty to look at facing the rear.
martha.nelson
03-15-2008, 08:58 AM
In Wisconsin it is 20lbs & 12 months old.
Try checking with your local D.O.T. They will have all the regulations.
Weird, North Dakota doesn't have any rearfacing laws at all...:headscratch: The weirdest part is that they seem to have better car seat laws altogether (since some states only require car seats till age 4) but for some reason have not added rearfacing laws. Maybe I'm wrong?
http://www.dmv.org/nd-north-dakota/safety-laws.php
And YES, I know that it's not about the laws. Don't flame me. Just commenting/wondering about ND laws.
connorsmama
03-15-2008, 09:15 AM
no flames. I would turn her around. Otherwise, try a mirror toy.. that works wonders!
brooklynn
03-15-2008, 09:37 AM
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vj4xEOP7yWk
mom2aroo
03-15-2008, 09:45 AM
I just turned my son, hes 20 months & 25 lbs.. I was so determined to keep him RF until he hit 33 but when it finally hit the point of being "Okay, I need to be able to focus on driving, not a screaming thrashing child" I sadly decided to turn him & actually cried about it! I'm still super bummed about it & might possibly turn him back, for me, it wasnt "let him see the world" it was "let him stop screaming so mom can focus better on the road!" kwim?
If its affecting your driving, then its worth it, but if its ismply to let them see out the window better, I dont think it is worth it, but thats my opinion =0)
naivete
03-15-2008, 10:23 AM
maybe instead of youtube videos which show how much a child can see rearfacing (which by the way, is a great link, I know my son loves staring out the window rfing and can see quite a bit), someone should also upload what happens to a prematurely ffing baby in a crash. Honestly, it'd turn your stomach.
One thing that might help is a car toy that's specifically only a car toy. We have one that hooks into the car seat, and we leave it in the car so he doesn't get to play with it in the house and get bored of it. It has a "mirror", steering wheel, lights, it hooks into the seat so it can't be kicked off, and it also has a remote for the front that hooks into the visor, so if bub starts fussing you can click the button and it'll start the lights and music going.
ericak95
03-15-2008, 11:31 AM
No flames here, but I would try everything before doing it. My kids both ran it to a fussy period around 18 months just didn't like to be strapped into the car. I just figured that they really don't know they have the option to FF, and it is proven safer to ERF so we just worked through it, the fuss was over within a month or less.
We just turned my 27month old FF on Wednesday. She could still be RF, but we had the seats out to clean the car, and decided to just do it. My oldest was RF until she was almost 3yrs old.
HTH
Erica
RobertsMomma3
03-15-2008, 12:35 PM
I turned my daughters around at a year
christy005
03-15-2008, 12:41 PM
Yeah there has been a lot of talk of changing it to 2yrs and 30lbs! I am praying it is changed!
oh wow! i haven't heard that. I hope that really does happen!
KarenK
03-15-2008, 12:43 PM
Is she 1 year and 25lbs? Sounds like it. Turn her around and don't sweat it.
christy005
03-15-2008, 12:43 PM
:thud:
At 4 months ?? Mama.... that is illegal. There is NO way that a police officer or a Ped should have told you to turn him.
I didnt know any better and turned DS at 8mo because he was over the 20# limit but there is NO WAY in you know where that I would turn a 4mo FF.
Im not flaming you and not trying to be mean but that is VERY dangerous. If their legs have to be crossed or propped up on the back of the seat then fine. Its MUCH safer for that than to have them FF way too soon !
My thoughts exactly. Broken legs are better than a broken neck.
njbeachgirl
03-15-2008, 02:53 PM
Mirror toys! I'm sure someone else aleady said it though. DD loves her mirror and I give her soft books, etc. to have back there.
benjaminsmom
03-15-2008, 03:57 PM
I think you need to do what you think is best, if the legal limits are met i say it is all good (i don't believe in splitting hairs when talking about meeting minimums ie: full stomach, fully clothed). I know it is best to leave rf as long as possible but you have to be able to pay attention to the road. good luck momma!
Harmony96
03-15-2008, 04:20 PM
Yeah there has been a lot of talk of changing it to 2yrs and 30lbs! I am praying it is changed!
Oh I HOPE so! One of my nephews had a big head, and as soon as he was 1, my sister turned him. (The big head makes the spinal column severing even more likely, IIRC.)
OP...most kids go through a I-hate-my-seat-so-I'm-gonna-scream-my-little-head-off stage (usually between 10 & 15 months).
Oh good, DD's 15 months and 1 week... so maybe I missed that phase. lol. (She does scream her head off at other things, though. lol)
Anyway she is about 16 lbs so she is definitely still RF, and probably will be for at least two MORE years. My car is small so FF would be easier all around, but I don't want to do what's easy. I want to do what's safe for my baby. :thumbsup:
camris
03-17-2008, 05:03 PM
My DD is 14 mos and almost 25# too! I turned her around last week and she is WAY happier!! She doesn't cry when it's time to get strapped in anymore. :lostit:
Go for it!!! :goodvibes: :thumbsup:
redneckmama
03-17-2008, 07:34 PM
She is still in the middle and still reclined all the way. I wasn't sure if it was safe to tip it up more. We have a Britax Marathon. Would you say it would be safer to put her by a window than to turn the seat, since they say the middle is the safest?
I would def. say it is safer to have to by a window than ff'ing. They say to put the least protected(ff'ing) child in the middle. So, in your case I would say put the most protected(rf'ing) child outboard. FWIW, dd is rf'ing on the passengers side in my car, but in the middle in dh's pickup.
dachshundqueen
03-17-2008, 07:41 PM
but we are considering turning DD carseat around. :hide: She just is getting more and more cranky it seems being rear facing. And sometimes I wonder what's more dangerous for her being FF or having mommy so distracted while driving.
Am I the only one who had turned there kid early 'cause of this? She is 14 mo and 25lbs. I don't know what to do I just think she might be happier if she could see me!
Buy a mirror at the BRU so that she can see you. Both my kids can see me in their little mirrors. I have a 2y9mo and 5.5mo both RF'ing.
Liz
Mom2Girls0407
03-17-2008, 07:50 PM
Turned DD around at 1 year......she is 13 months now and 19 lbs.
Ooey
03-17-2008, 09:26 PM
We have a mirror but she really doesn't care much about it I always bring toys but she chucks them. Of course I know she will be safer rear facing but so would not being in a car KWIM?
Thank you very much for your opinions. If you think of any other tricks that help you I'd love to know
I don't know if you caught what I said in my earlier post but the DVD player was like magic for us. We had a mirror there before and it didn't do much good. We got the DVD player that attaches to the headrest of the seat at walmart for $99 and it was so worth it. We do take a lot of long trips though, and now that she's a little older she doesn't rebel in the car seat as much, so we only put it on for her if we are going a long way or if she is cranky. The only downside is that now there is really nowhere to escape from Dora the Explorer, she's even in the car sometimes :giggle:
Drearina
03-17-2008, 09:28 PM
Turned DD around at 1 year......she is 13 months now and 19 lbs.
In Michigan "To comply with state law you MUST follow the manufacturers instructions." and all seats on the market state 1 year AND 20 pounds.
aqua_jellybean
03-17-2008, 09:37 PM
As long as you check w/your cities laws, and it is cool, I'd go for it :)
katesmash
03-17-2008, 09:47 PM
Since your LO is over a year old, I say go for it.
I haven't had any experience with FF yet, as DD is 4 months and roughly 16 lbs already. Our rear-facing goes up to 30 lbs, so that should get her to 1 year old. I plan on turning her around when she hits the 30 lbs. It's part of a travel system (carrier car seat & stroller), but once she can sit by herself good I will probably just use the stroller part for walks/malls and not use the carrier seat. I have to tote her up a big flight of stairs in our apartment, so I may start leaving the seat in the car once it gets warmer outside.
I also found this link: http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm for state laws on car seats, and there's a link on that page that talks specificaly about rear-facing tips and requirements.
Here's a specific quote from the site:
If your baby weighs 20 or more pounds before his first birthday, you should be using a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.
Speak with your pediatrician about the best time to turn your baby around; all babies are different and have different needs. Never compete with your friends to see whose baby turns around first!
Some safety experts, postulating that mild Shaken Baby Syndrome may be suffered through months of accumulated shakes from unsupported motion in a baby carrier, bike seat or forward-facing car seat, would like to keep children rear-facing through 18-24 months.
brooklynn
03-18-2008, 07:10 AM
Since your LO is over a year old, I say go for it.
I haven't had any experience with FF yet, as DD is 4 months and roughly 16 lbs already. Our rear-facing goes up to 30 lbs, so that should get her to 1 year old. I plan on turning her around when she hits the 30 lbs. It's part of a travel system (carrier car seat & stroller), but once she can sit by herself good I will probably just use the stroller part for walks/malls and not use the carrier seat. I have to tote her up a big flight of stairs in our apartment, so I may start leaving the seat in the car once it gets warmer outside.
I also found this link: http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm for state laws on car seats, and there's a link on that page that talks specificaly about rear-facing tips and requirements.
Here's a specific quote from the site:
If your baby weighs 20 or more pounds before his first birthday, you should be using a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.
Speak with your pediatrician about the best time to turn your baby around; all babies are different and have different needs. Never compete with your friends to see whose baby turns around first!
Some safety experts, postulating that mild Shaken Baby Syndrome may be suffered through months of accumulated shakes from unsupported motion in a baby carrier, bike seat or forward-facing car seat, would like to keep children rear-facing through 18-24 months.
She may seem huge now, lol, but chances are slim she'll make it a year in that seat at the rate she's going. :mrgreen: Not saying it's not possible, though. And I don't know of any convertible seat that doesn't RF to at least 30 pounds, so when she's done with that infant only seat (gets to 30 pounds AND/OR her head comes within 1" of the top of the seat), you should still be able to keep her RF to at least 30 pounds in a convertible. :thumbsup:
Craftin'Diva
03-18-2008, 07:30 AM
I can not believe how many people are saying "if she meets the limits, go for it".... Not flaming.... but Seriously???? Forward facing risks internal decapitation because children's necks are just NOT strong enough to withstand the impact of the collision. If you are a regular on this board or ANY board, you HAVE to know that. :headscratch:
Here in Ohio, the law is 1 year AND 20 pounds... my daughter is not yet 20 pounds at 17 months old but she won't be FF until she is AT LEAST 30 pounds. Why even take the chance? Your children depend on you to protect them... a little crying vs internal decapitation. Pretty easy choice, if you ask me.
Javamama
03-18-2008, 07:50 AM
I turned my kids way earlier than you! I think you are fine! Happy Trails~ :car:
amielia80
03-18-2008, 10:15 AM
I can not believe how many people are saying "if she meets the limits, go for it".... Not flaming.... but Seriously???? Forward facing risks internal decapitation because children's necks are just NOT strong enough to withstand the impact of the collision. If you are a regular on this board or ANY board, you HAVE to know that. :headscratch:
Here in Ohio, the law is 1 year AND 20 pounds... my daughter is not yet 20 pounds at 17 months old but she won't be FF until she is AT LEAST 30 pounds. Why even take the chance? Your children depend on you to protect them... a little crying vs internal decapitation. Pretty easy choice, if you ask me.
I agree 100%
graymojo
03-18-2008, 10:40 AM
Can someone pm me with some links to research on why not to turn them around at 1 year and 20 lbs? I am fairly new to this board and had honestly never heard that before joining.
thanks
LilyGrace
03-18-2008, 10:45 AM
Can someone pm me with some links to research on why not to turn them around at 1 year and 20 lbs? I am fairly new to this board and had honestly never heard that before joining.
thanks
The Kyle David Miller Foundation (http://www.kyledavidmiller.org/pages/4209/Car_Seat_Safety:_Rear-facing_is_safest.htm) has a lot of good information and links.
brooklynn
03-18-2008, 02:32 PM
Can someone pm me with some links to research on why not to turn them around at 1 year and 20 lbs? I am fairly new to this board and had honestly never heard that before joining.
thanks
Importance of Rear-Facing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8)
Carseat Lady (http://www.thecarseatlady.com/car_seats/rear-facing_seats.html)
Wanted to add that I learned my lesson real quick a few years ago. Went to my first seat check (as a parent) and I asked a question to the tech about weight limits. She very kindly pointed out that the information I wanted was not only in my user's manual, but plastered all over the seat, lol. Those stickers (and manual) are there for a reason - we need to READ THEM!
KaleidoscopeEyes
03-18-2008, 02:36 PM
Have you watched the videos? DS2 is 33 months (26-27 lbs) and is still rear facing. He will remain so until he is 35 lbs. IMO better safe than sorry, I don't feel FF at this point is safe. They really do need to change the law regarding this.
katesmash
03-18-2008, 04:44 PM
She may seem huge now, lol, but chances are slim she'll make it a year in that seat at the rate she's going. :mrgreen: Not saying it's not possible, though. And I don't know of any convertible seat that doesn't RF to at least 30 pounds, so when she's done with that infant only seat (gets to 30 pounds AND/OR her head comes within 1" of the top of the seat), you should still be able to keep her RF to at least 30 pounds in a convertible. :thumbsup:
Thanks Brooklynn! I got out the manual for her seat/stroller system, and it says her carseat limits are that she must be 5-30lbs AND 32 inches or less in height. Right now she is 15 lb 10 oz and 26 inches.
Hopefully she can stay in this seat until she is 1 year, because the next carseat I'm looking at is called a Combination seat: Comfort touch head and body pillow. Comfort touch pivoting arm rests. 5 pt harness; 2 position crotch strap. Flip out removable cup holder. 3 position harness height adjustment. Internal harness 20-47 lbs. Auto seat belts 40-100 lbs. Universal anchorage system. I don't want to go out and buy another rear facing, that's why we bought the big travel system that goes to 30 lbs! The combination seat says 20lbs, but I wouldn't put her into it until she is 30lbs and outgrows the seat she's in right now.
ladylee
03-18-2008, 04:53 PM
my poor lil man is 31 pounds and almost five. I didn't know about all this info. until a year ago when he was 30 pounds. shoot... if I waited until he is 35 pounds, he would probably be 6 years old. He is of average height for a 4 1/2 year old - just in the 6th%ile for weight. He is not flexible anymore. I couldn't imagine trying to have him forward facing right bow given his height no matter how much I agree with waiting until he is 35 pounds.
With my 8 month old, we will be waiting until at least 25 pounds, preferably 30 pounds, until we turn him around. He is in the 50% for weight, so he probably will be younger than his brother when he reaches 30 pounds.
I do wish I could turn my 4 year old r3ear facing but given his height, it's not possible.
House of Blue
03-18-2008, 05:12 PM
We were in an accident when my 8 y.o. was about 15 months old (& about 30 lbs) with a new to us car. We had just purchased the car and it didn't have a tether bolt installed so we had him rear facing at the time of the accident (back then extended RFing wasn't something ppl knew about so we had him FF since he turned 1 and the RFing was only "temporary" until the bolt was installed). DH and I were really sore - whip lash, back issues, generally feeling like we were beaten with a baseball bat... Even though we had our seat belts on. Our DS who was RFing didn't even cry and acted like nothing happened. He was just so well protected in his car seat I was amazed. So I've had a first hand example of just how much better it is to have your child RFing.
brooklynn
03-18-2008, 05:22 PM
Hopefully she can stay in this seat until she is 1 year, because the next carseat I'm looking at is called a Combination seat: Comfort touch head and body pillow. Comfort touch pivoting arm rests. 5 pt harness; 2 position crotch strap. Flip out removable cup holder. 3 position harness height adjustment. Internal harness 20-47 lbs. Auto seat belts 40-100 lbs. Universal anchorage system. I don't want to go out and buy another rear facing, that's why we bought the big travel system that goes to 30 lbs! The combination seat says 20lbs, but I wouldn't put her into it until she is 30lbs and outgrows the seat she's in right now.
Combo seats are a popular choice. The one you're considering (though I don't know the name of it), sounds like a decent seat if it harnesses to 47 pounds! Most only go to 40 pounds, though I see the trend changing quickly. :thumbsup: If she continues to be a big baby, just keep in mind that traditionally, combo seats have comparably low top harness slot heights. That said, by the time she's ready for a new seat, the Britax Frontier will (hopefully) be released, (an maybe others), so your options may expand a bit. Best of luck!
And HouseofBlue... great story. I hope we never have to experience something like that. :( Aside from the uninjured baby part, of course, lol.
ETA: And ditto jackyl08 below re: RF.
jackyl08
03-18-2008, 05:24 PM
my poor lil man is 31 pounds and almost five. I didn't know about all this info. until a year ago when he was 30 pounds. shoot... if I waited until he is 35 pounds, he would probably be 6 years old. He is of average height for a 4 1/2 year old - just in the 6th%ile for weight. He is not flexible anymore. I couldn't imagine trying to have him forward facing right bow given his height no matter how much I agree with waiting until he is 35 pounds.
With my 8 month old, we will be waiting until at least 25 pounds, preferably 30 pounds, until we turn him around. He is in the 50% for weight, so he probably will be younger than his brother when he reaches 30 pounds.
I do wish I could turn my 4 year old r3ear facing but given his height, it's not possible.
This is why I am of the opinion that 2 or 35 is a good marker. Yes, some kids can rearface way beyond 2 yrs old. I personally think that no child under 30lbs and 2 yrs old should be ff. At that point, turning them is more feasible. A 31lb 5yr old would probably not be to comfy rearfacing. At 5, the spine is much more ossified than at 14mths. He would probably do just fine in a 5pt harness seat. Rearfacing is safer, there is no getting around that, but we don't have the same type of seats other countries that rearface longer have. Bottom line, I would NOT feel like you need to turn your 4 yr old. For the 8mth old, maybe set a goal of 2yrs and go from there. That's what I will be going for.
I personally feel that when we know better, we do better!
ConnorsMom06
03-18-2008, 05:25 PM
I hope they change the law to 2 yo and 30 lbs. I plan on RF'ing our next little one as long as possible but I know dh will have a hard time accepting it. And other family will likely feel that it is weird too. I don't care- but it will make it easier to deal with if there is a law backing me up!
I agree I hope they change it as well .
jackyl08
03-18-2008, 05:28 PM
Combo seats are a popular choice. The one you're considering (though I don't know the name of it), sounds like a decent seat if it harnesses to 47 pounds! Most only go to 40 pounds, though I see the trend changing quickly. :thumbsup: If she continues to be a big baby, just keep in mind that traditionally, combo seats have comparably low top harness slot heights. That said, by the time she's ready for a new seat, the Britax Frontier will (hopefully) be released, (an maybe others), so your options may expand a bit. Best of luck!
And HouseofBlue... great story. I hope we never have to experience something like that. :( Aside from the uninjured baby part, of course, lol.
She's in Canada, where most seats by Graco and Evenflo go to 47lbs! :thumbsup: That being said, I would not count on the Safeseat going much past 14-15mths. I have seen rather petite 1.5yr olds in it, but the average 1 yr old will be getting a bit squished in it. Hopefully, something new and wonderfull will out! Canada now has the Evenflo Triumph Advance that will get most kids to a great booster age! Oh and most combo seats make crappy boosters, so you would eventually need another seat after that.
brooklynn
03-18-2008, 05:30 PM
She's in Canada, where most seats by Graco and Evenflo go to 47lbs! :thumbsup: That being said, I would not count on the Safeseat going much past 14-15mths. I have seen rather petite 1.5yr olds in it, but the average 1 yr old will be getting a bit squished in it. Hopefully, something new and wonderfull will out! Canada now has the Evenflo Triumph Advance that will get most kids to a great booster age! Oh and most combo seats make crappy boosters, so you would eventually need another seat after that.
I thought that was an odd weight limit, lol! Makes sense now... I totally missed she's in Canada. DOH! :giggle2:
katesmash
03-18-2008, 05:48 PM
She's in Canada, where most seats by Graco and Evenflo go to 47lbs! :thumbsup: That being said, I would not count on the Safeseat going much past 14-15mths. I have seen rather petite 1.5yr olds in it, but the average 1 yr old will be getting a bit squished in it. Hopefully, something new and wonderfull will out! Canada now has the Evenflo Triumph Advance that will get most kids to a great booster age! Oh and most combo seats make crappy boosters, so you would eventually need another seat after that.
Ya, that combination seat I was talking about is called Evenflo Generations combination carseat. The only thing I couldn't find about the specs are height limits, so while it says the car seatbelts can be used up to 100 lbs, if she's a tall kid I realize she may need a seperate booster seat eventually. I'm hoping we can get by with just the rear facing we have (up to 30 lbs) and then this combination, until she is ready for normal seating w/o a booster. Having a big baby from the start, it's so hard to know if she'll stay big (she's been in the 90-95 percentile)
Just got her weighed @ her 4 month immunizations, and she's 15 lb 10 oz... still gaining but seems to have slowed down compared the growth spurt she had jan-feb.
oops apparently we've :threadhijacked: :giggle:
L2S2C
03-18-2008, 07:01 PM
we turned my DD for the same reason, she met the requirements, she was screaming till she'd throw up, we turned her around and she was fine from there on out.
labrae
03-19-2008, 03:47 AM
I don't understand the 5-point harness thing. I feel like I read that the LATCH system will only hold a certain weight, and after that you're supposed to use the seat belt to secure the carseat. Does anyone know anything about this?
Yes, I found it here: http://www.thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/the_latch_system_4.html
That says 40 lbs for lower tethers, and that foundation for the boy who died from the seat belt not working was over 40 lbs anyway. So...???
House of Blue
03-19-2008, 05:44 AM
I don't understand the 5-point harness thing. I feel like I read that the LATCH system will only hold a certain weight, and after that you're supposed to use the seat belt to secure the carseat. Does anyone know anything about this?
Yes, I found it here: http://www.thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/the_latch_system_4.html
That says 40 lbs for lower tethers, and that foundation for the boy who died from the seat belt not working was over 40 lbs anyway. So...???
I don't know why but I've never trusted LATCH :headscratch: I've always installed seats with a tether bolt and seat belt. So I guess my paranoia wasn't completely out to lunch? :laugh:
brooklynn
03-19-2008, 05:58 AM
I don't understand the 5-point harness thing. I feel like I read that the LATCH system will only hold a certain weight, and after that you're supposed to use the seat belt to secure the carseat. Does anyone know anything about this?
Yes, I found it here: http://www.thecarseatlady.com/vehicles/the_latch_system_4.html
That says 40 lbs for lower tethers, and that foundation for the boy who died from the seat belt not working was over 40 lbs anyway. So...???
Yes, you're correct re: LATCH limits. But LATCH is and is not intended to be safer than a seatbelt. It's just meant to make installation easier.
It's pertinent because had Kyle been harness in a seat, the chances of him being ejected from the car would have been decreased significantly, if not eliminated. Once his seatbelt came unbuckled, there was absolutely nothing holding him in the car, since he was in a booster, and he was thrown from the car. Even if the seatbelt malfunctions in an accident, the chances of the seatbelt AND harness not working is pretty slim. He would have at least been kept IN the car. And not all vehicles have a 40/48 pounds LATCH weight limit. Like our car (a Nissan) surrenders LATCH limits to those recommended by the manufacturer, so we can use our seats to much higher weights with LATCH... which is a big reason we bought it.
jackyl08
03-19-2008, 09:38 AM
This question has been brought up several times. However, seatbelt failure is VERY, VERY rare. Had Kyle been in a 5pt harness, at least the seat would have held him in the vehicle. LATCH is NOT safer and it to could fail, although that would also be exceedingly rare. I want to reiterate that people who have their 6,7,8 etc in a booster can out them in a 5pt harness, but don't need to panic if they are in a booster. Seatbelt failure is simply SO rare. This is not to say that 5pts are not safer, they are, but boosters are to.
beenwaitingalongtime
03-19-2008, 09:58 AM
We have a mirror but she really doesn't care much about it I always bring toys but she chucks them. Of course I know she will be safer rear facing but so would not being in a car KWIM?
Thank you very much for your opinions. If you think of any other tricks that help you I'd love to know
Erg. I feel for you, mama. My DD screamed her face off for the 1 hr. commute after work from mos. 6-18. My blood pressure was thru the roof during those rides. I just prayed the drive would go by more quickly. :hugs:
So, mirrors don't work and toys get thrown--sounds like my daycare baby. Hmmm...have you tried kiddie music and singing? That calms my daycare baby quickly. I listen to Laurie Berkner, Signing Time...and the Jersey Boys soundtrack on the way to and from work and it really helps. With DD, counting seemed to calm her. Either I'd count from 60, reminding her to relax, or I'd sing '20 blocks away. 20 blocks away. We are only 20 blocks away.' (and count down.) For some reason, numbers and music did it w/ her.
I also had this wand w/ ribbons and a butterfly hanging from it. I would hold it back over my shoulder and play keep-away w/ DD. Worked well unless she got a hold of it and I had to get it away from her :banghead:
There's a mirror w/ a remote control that plays music and has lights. I THINK it was at One Step Ahead...nope. Can't find it there. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
That's all I can think of now. I think you're doing the right thing in trying all the tricks you can think of to avoid making the switch. DD is still RF at 2 y/o and I never considered turning her to calm her (I don't think it would have helped, honestly. She wanted to be attached to my boob and it still wouldn't reach w/ her FF ;)) but I def. remember how awful/stressful the car was back then. If you try all you can and nothing but turning works, then you do what you need to for all of your sakes. (Then when she's past that stage, turn her back ;))
GL mama. I don't envy your situation AT ALL :hugs:
My dc regularly tell me about the dog in the truck they see in the next lane over, the park we just drove by, thet Mc D's golden arch (:hide:), all the while still rearfacing. Seems to me they're seeing the world just fine.
Yeah, it just takes a little while to get used to holding off on pointing someone out till the car's almost past it. 'Ramie, you see that train? Wait for it...wait for it...It's coming, I swear. Almost past it. Here it comes. SEE IT?!' :giggle:
It can be awkward to put him in his seat because his legs are getting long now, but it's worth a little extra effort to me.
I was just saying to DD this morning. Ooh, look! Mommy didn't hit your head on the car! Thank goodness she's only 22 lbs. and I can fold her up and squeeze her in the doorframe to get her in there. Poor daycare baby weighs 29 lbs. and has a big noggin. Poor thing bumps it almost every single time I put him in his RF carseat :blush: Better than a broken neck, I suppose...
lauramaynot
03-19-2008, 10:48 AM
The laws have changed since my older kids were babies and carseats have gotten so much better. You should have seen the seats I used for them. My infant seat was flimsy and had no padding and my convertable seat had a bar that lowered in front, there were no expiration dates on carseats...you used them until they wore out...By the time we got to boosters they were the booster that had a front shield and the adult seatbelt came across and held closed. None of these carseats are even manufactured anymore. I also had a friend who had a daughter the same age as my son (now 11) who's child got so carsick that she carried a doctors note saying that she could be forward facing at 6 months.
I think the laws now are pretty good. Combined with the better designed seats that a) fit better in cars b) have the shockabsorbing foam and five point harnesses c) fit kids better, I feel comfortable with turning my child. She was also a terrible car rider (still is sometimes) and would scream and scream and scream. I bought the safeseat intending to keep her RF until 30 lbs but I finally turned her at 15 months and 23 lbs as a last resort and some combination of moving her into a bigger seat (upright and fwd facing) really helped. I also feel that she is safer because as a driver I am less distracted by her. I think the op should try to turn her child and if it helps it helps if not go back to RFing...
labrae
03-20-2008, 01:44 AM
It's pertinent because had Kyle been harness in a seat, the chances of him being ejected from the car would have been decreased significantly, if not eliminated. Once his seatbelt came unbuckled, there was absolutely nothing holding him in the car, since he was in a booster, and he was thrown from the car. Even if the seatbelt malfunctions in an accident, the chances of the seatbelt AND harness not working is pretty slim.
Okay, I'm not sure why I'm not getting it. If the seat belt doesn't work, there isn't anything to hold the carseat in place either, so why would he remain in the car? Wouldn't he still have been ejected, only ejected WITH the carseat? :dunno:
LilyGrace
03-20-2008, 06:26 AM
Okay, I'm not sure why I'm not getting it. If the seat belt doesn't work, there isn't anything to hold the carseat in place either, so why would he remain in the car? Wouldn't he still have been ejected, only ejected WITH the carseat? :dunno:
It still would have been top tethered. The chances of complete ejection would have been almost nil, and while he may have been bruised by bouncing around a bit he probably would have lived.
brooklynn
03-20-2008, 06:28 AM
Ditto LilyGrace.
laceyrehman
03-20-2008, 06:51 AM
does anyone know of a carseat that rear faces longer than 35lbs???I have a 14m old son that is 34lbs. We just turned him around because he was almost at the weight limit. I wanted to keep him rearfacing longer, but in his seat it just wasn't possible. We did buy a graco nautilus, that way he can be harnessed for a lot longer than the normal carseat, but I would have liked to keep him r'fing a little longer. Is it possible to keep bigger kids r'fing for longer????????
brooklynn
03-20-2008, 09:22 AM
does anyone know of a carseat that rear faces longer than 35lbs???I have a 14m old son that is 34lbs. We just turned him around because he was almost at the weight limit. I wanted to keep him rearfacing longer, but in his seat it just wasn't possible. We did buy a graco nautilus, that way he can be harnessed for a lot longer than the normal carseat, but I would have liked to keep him r'fing a little longer. Is it possible to keep bigger kids r'fing for longer????????
Unless it's a special needs seat, no. And those seats are typically only available through hospitals and paid for by insurance because they run in the high hundreds to over a thousand dollars. :eek:
He's a chunker! :giggle2:
jackyl08
03-20-2008, 11:02 AM
does anyone know of a carseat that rear faces longer than 35lbs???I have a 14m old son that is 34lbs. We just turned him around because he was almost at the weight limit. I wanted to keep him rearfacing longer, but in his seat it just wasn't possible. We did buy a graco nautilus, that way he can be harnessed for a lot longer than the normal carseat, but I would have liked to keep him r'fing a little longer. Is it possible to keep bigger kids r'fing for longer????????
Nice seat and a great choice! :thumbsup: Do make sure it is top tethered, as that will really help with head excursion!
