Why I Keep My 3-Year-Old Rear-Facing (And The Seat We Use)

 

There is a myth that once your child turns 1 (or their legs touch the seat), you should turn them forward. Please don't. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing as long as possible (often until age 4). Why? In a crash, a rear-facing seat cradles the head and spine. Forward-facing, the neck snaps forward (Internal Decapitation is a real risk).

The Problem: "Where do their legs go?"

Parents turn kids around because they think their legs look cramped. Kids are flexible. They cross their legs. They don't mind.

The Seat: Graco Extend2Fit

This is the #1 seat for this.

• The Panel: It has a pull-out footrest that gives 5 inches of extra legroom.

• The Limit: It allows rear-facing up to 50 lbs (most seats stop at 40 lbs).

It costs half the price of luxury seats but offers superior safety features.