Car Seat Safety

I am going to preface this post with the caveat that I am NOT a car seat technician or expert or even someone who has done a ton of research on the expert. But I am starting to do more and more because the topic of safety for my child is of the utmost importance for me, as it is for most parents.

Jack is quickly approaching 2 (check back soon for 23 month update!) and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is safest to keep your child rear facing in their car seat until they are 2. However, you can continue with extended rear facing until you meet the height and weight requirement. I am contemplating doing this with Jack, but I'll admit, I look forward to being able to actually look at him in my rear view mirror while I am driving.

We use this car seat, which makes it possible for him to stay rear facing for while yet.

According to most of the research I've done, rear facing as long as you can is the safest for your child, and despite Jack being tall for his age, he's been perfectly content still rear facing.

Plus, reading this article and watching the videos in this article makes it pretty convincing to keep him rear facing.

What do you do with your child? Any recommendations either way and why? I'd love to get your thoughts!