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  1. #1
    ABCfamily Guest

    Default when to face forward and new latch law...

    Our family just moved to North Carolina and as of Sept. 1 this year it will be mandatory to have a latch installed car seat. Our son just turned 1 year last Sunday (July 28) and we are in the process of frantically replacing his infant seat!! He does not exceed the weight as he is only 17 lbs.-2oz. (a peanut), but he has now exceeded the height at 29 1/2"!

    My question is: I know all the books/laws/manufacturers say that he must remain "rear-facing" until 20lbs., but what about when he exceeds the height? I'm sure this is a dumb question, since it would only make sense for him to face forward so that his feet aren't folded up against the back seat, right?! :)

    2nd: What car seat do you all recommend since now I have to have a latch? We own a 2001 Saturn L-series wagon which have the tethers but I'm not certain about the latch.

    Please help! We need a seat now!!

    Thanks!
    Amy

  2. #2
    KCR4 is offline Silver level (200+ posts)
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    Default RE: when to face forward and new latch law...

    Hi there,
    Our babies are almost the same age - our son turned 1 on July 31. I think the following links will really help you out. The first link goes to a previous discussion on this board re: staying rear-facing. Rear-facing is the safest by far. If you buy a "convertible" car seat, like the Britax Roundabout (recommended by lots of folks on this board!) you can keep your child rear-facing until 30 pounds, as long as his head isn't too close to the top of the shell. Then you turn the seat forward facing to use until he reaches 40 pounds. We are aiming to keep our son rear-facing until 15-18 months. Some folks go even longer.

    Here is the link to the previous discussion:
    http://www.windsorpeak.com/dcforum/DCForumID6/755.html

    Here is a good overview of why rear-facing is best:
    http://www.thematlocks.com/jennifer/...ExtendedRF.htm

    Here is a great resource to help you buy a new car seat:
    http://www.CarSeatData.org/

    Regarding LATCH, I don't think that you are required to use it, only that all new cars and child carseats manufactured after Sept 1 are required to have it. But, I don't live in your state, so doublecheck. You can read more about LATCH at:
    http://www.car-safety.org/latch.html

    I have been using the Britax Roundabout since baby was about 5-6 months old. I use a Century Accel (a cheaper convertible seat) in Dad/Grandma's car, and it is fine as a basic seat. But I wouldn't trade my Roundabout for anything! All the extra features are well worth it.

    Good luck!

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