When can kids ride in the car facing forward?

When neck is ready: Forward facing car seats do not prevent a forward head snap in a crash.That snap can elongate the spinal cord.More than 1/4 inch stretch can damage the cord producing temporary or permanent paralysis.I've cared for 1 paralized. After a decade of prodding the aap finally adopted the rear "till two standard, its 4 in europe.Look up www.Joelsjourney.Com for a video. I'd keep mine rear facing until 4.

Rear view until 2: The AAP recently adopted the 'rear view until 2' standard for carseats. State laws may be more lax. I encourage families to strive for optimal not acceptable safety standards. Studies show the longer a child rides rearward, the better the chance of survival in a crash. In my mind, 2 years is a minimum standard, 4 would be better, although finding a rear-facing seat for older kids is a challenge.

Age 1 year: In most states children can ride forward facing at age 1 year, however it is recommended to keep children rear facing until age 2 years for safety reasons.