How do I know when to change car seats?

I have an almost 9 month old about 23 lbs now. He seems to be running out of room in his safe seat. Also to change him to forward facing is that after 1 year or can it be done when you switch seats?



ThanksHow do I know when to change car seats?You need to get him a convertible carseat (one that can be used rearfacing and forward facing).



The recommendation from safety experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics is to rearface (RF) to the limits of the seat which is 30-35lbs on all seats sold in the US. My own daughter is 2 1/2 years - 28lbs - 36in tall and still RF in her Britax Marathons. She will RF until she reaches 33lbs. She is much safer this way.



I have included several links with great pictures and videos of what happens to childrens necks when they are FF in a crash.



Most people are concerned about their child's legs being scrunched or broken in a crash. There is absolutely no evidence that shows a child's legs are in danger and I would much rather deal with a broken leg, than a broken neck.
How do I know when to change car seats?
What does your car seat manual say.



Mine was 20LBs and also a certain height required before you move them. It's not so much the pounds but the height. If your childs head is above the car seat, time to move now.



edit--Once they are over the pounds and ht required, move to forward facing, doesn't have to be a set age btw.
How do I know when to change car seats?
To switch to the forward facing one he has to be at least a year AND over 20 pounds not one or the other. If he is getting to big for the rear facing you might have to buy a convertible one. They can hold 5-40 pounds and face rear and forward...good luck!
The best thing to do is to read the instruction on the carseat.Usually for forward facing it is 1yr.Just read the manufacturer's instructions and that will tell you what way and if the babies weight is compatible with the seats the baby is currently using.
I asked a similar question. I got good answers and a couple of compelling websites....and decided not to change my toddler son to a booster seat. The answer to your question is I think - get a convertable carseat. I have one now that is from 5 to 100 pounds. It cost about $200 but it is the last one I will ever buy. And your baby should stay rear facing as long as he can. I say 9 months is still a bit young. He is safest rear facing. At the very least, read the book...I think they suggest that he reach all of the milestones - so many pounds, certain height/lenth, and at least a year old (to be forward facing). ps - my son was large at birth, so i ended up buying the convertable carseat when he was 6 months old because he outgrew the baby seat. I just wanted the booster seat as a second seat in our second car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRP7ynNI8鈥?/a>

This youtube should answer your question! It made me tear up!
Only change him forward after the first year. But he can be in a convertible rear facing now. My girl is 9 month and 20 lbs and has been on one for the past 3 months.