How Long Should Your Child Be in a Rear-Facing Car Seat?
Though the American Academy of Pediatrics previously recommended that children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until at least the age of 2, the AAP now recommends that children remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat, regardless of age. Most convertible seats allow children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 40 pounds or more, which means most children can remain rear-facing well past their second birthday.
Natasha Young, a certified technician for the nonprofit organisation Safe Kids Worldwide, told CBS that it's best of keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible, as this is the safest way for children to ride. "Even if their children's legs are longer than the car seat, they can easily fold their legs up into the car sea,t and it's actually much safer for their legs," she explained. Just be sure there is at least one inch between the top of the car seat and the top of your child's head.