08/20/2026
The safest recommendation is to keep your child rear-facing for as long as their car seat allows—until they reach the rear-facing height or weight limit specified by the car-seat manufacturer.
So, don’t turn them forward-facing just because they turn 2. Many convertible and all-in-one car seats today allow children to remain rear-facing to 40+ pounds.
A few important points:
Rear-facing is safer for a young child’s head, neck, and spine.
Bent or crossed legs are not a reason by themselves to turn a child forward-facing.
Follow both the height AND weight requirements in your specific car-seat manual.
State laws set minimum requirements, but the safest-practice recommendation may go beyond the legal minimum.
