When should a child be moved to a forward-facing car seat?

A child should be moved to a forward-facing car seat when they meet specific growth milestones that ensure their safety during travel. The combination of being at least 20 pounds and reaching 1 year of age is essential. At 20 pounds, the child has typically gained enough mass to be secure in a forward-facing position, which provides better protection in the event of an accident. Additionally, reaching 1 year of age usually indicates that the child has developed sufficient neck and head control necessary for using a seat that is positioned forward.

While the ability to sit up straight without support is important for overall development, it alone is not a definitive or reliable indicator for transitioning to a forward-facing seat. The recommendations prioritize weight and age, as these factors have been extensively studied and are aligned with safety guidelines. Therefore, meeting both the weight requirement of 20 pounds and the age milestone of at least 1 year means the child is ready to transition safely to a forward-facing car seat.