A Forward Facing Baby Car Seat is for babies who outgrow their group 0 Rearward Seat which guidelines say is from 10kg or from about 6 months to 9 months old. If you have a group 0+ type your baby may last a bit longer than a group 0 seat. Typically a baby will start to outgrow a group 0+ model when they weigh 13kg or are aged between 12 to 15 months old.
The next group of Baby Car Seats is group 1 which is the Forward Facing models and are commonly designed for babies and children from 10kg to 18kg or are aged between 6 months to 4 years. Although the manufacturers weight guidelines suggest moving your baby to a group 1 car seat at 10kg, some parents find that their baby may not fit into a group 1 properly, which can be confusing for parents. If this happens you may need to purchase a rearward facing seat that allows for higher weights such as a group 0+ instead of a group 0.
As the name suggests your baby or child will sit in an upright position and face forward towards the front of the car. These models are designed to be left in your car and are not portable. They are heavier than the rearward type seats and may be a bit more difficult to fit into your car. Make sure you check the manufacturer's instructions when fitting the seat. Alternatively you may be able to take your forward facing seat to a retailer who can fit it for you such as Halfords.
A Forward Facing Baby Car Seat can be fitted into your car using the 3 point adult seat belt and your baby will fit snugly into the seat using a 5 point integral harness system. This type of harness will enable the two shoulder straps and the bottom strap to fit together at one point which makes it much easier to get your baby in and out of the seat. Some models even have a one pull system which helps you to tighten the harness with little effort by pulling the strap at the bottom.
Top Tip 1
If your baby's head is at the top of the rearward group 0+ baby seat then it will be time to try out a group 1 or forward facing seat.
Top Tip 2
Before you use your baby car seat try practice fitting the seat in your car. It's a good idea to make regular safety checks to ensure the seat hasn't moved since you fitted it.
Top Tip 3
When installing your Forward Facing Seat, push your weight against the back of the seat as you tighten the seat belt to ensure the seat is fitted securely.
Top Tip 4
Generally it is better to stay away from second hand baby seats because you may not know the history of the seat, whether or not it's been in a crash and may no longer meet standard safety regulations.
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