Thank the sweet baby Jesus!! The AAP has finally released it’s recommendation that toddlers need to be rear facing until at least the age of TWO, or until they reach the maximum height/weight of their seat! Rear facing toddlers are 5 times safer that forward facing ones.

I get alot of flack about C being rear facing at 21 months and 30lbs. He is in an amazing seat, called a True Fit, which is made by First Years. It will rear face to 35 lbs and forward face in a 5 point harness until 65lbs. At that age (5-6) a child SHOULD be at a proper size and maturation to fit and sit properly in a seat belt with the aid of a booster.

I am so glad I found this information when I did, and got rid of my horrible 3-1 seat, that only harnesses to 40 lbs and becomes a booster after that.

I am so happy to see this recommendation, I can only hope the state laws will follow suit soon and get rid of the horrid “One and 20lb” rule that stands now. If you need further confirmation of the importance of rear-facing and harnessing to 65lbs watch Belle’s Gift and the the crash test videos.