Have you ever thought about keeping your kid rear facing, but weren’t sure if you should? A lot of parents don’t understand why their kids should be in rear facing car seats. However, there is a lot of scientific evidence that shows kids are safer while seated this way. Many parents have concerns about their kids facing backwards, but hopefully some of these reasons will wash away any doubt.
#1. Kids can sit backwards for a long time
In our minds, we think that kids are super uncomfortable, when they are sitting rear facing. But really, their little bodies can bend in fold in a lot of ways. You may be impressed with how long your child can sit rear facing in their car seat. They won’t even know anything different, unless you mention it. There are dozens of car seats out there that make sitting rear facing even more comfortable, you just have to find the right car seat.
#2. Kids are adaptable
A lot of our worry is projected onto our kids. The truth is that science shows that rear facing is really the best way for kids to sit, even up to 4, 5, and 6 years old. Keep in mind that kids are adaptable. Even if you aren’t doing a rear facing car seat now, it’s never too late to switch.
#3. At a young age, your child has an immature spine
During a car accident, the spine gets the brunt of the trauma. When your child is rear facing, their body isn’t going to just get impact on one area, the impact will be spread out, which is great. As your child is still growing, just know that it’s more than okay to keep them rear facing. Because the way their body is designed, rear facing just helps protect them much better and longer!
#4. Your child will still get to look around
Many parents are worried that their kid will get bored or they can’t see them when their child is rear facing. The good news is that your child is going to be just fine. Kids adjust and they’re able to look at the world around them much differently than we do.
#5. It’s the best thing for your child
As your child is growing, there are a lot of things we can’t protect them from. However, the science behind a rear facing car seat is proof enough that they have a much better chance of surviving a car accident than when front facing. If you have a child between the ages of 2-4, take the extra step to make sure they can stay rear facing as long as possible, you won’t regret it.
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