Extended Rear Facing

Colorado state law allows babies to be turned forward facing in the car at 1 year old and 20 lbs. Most parents look forward to their child's next big milestones and getting a big boy or big girl car seat is one of those milestones. Not me. In fact I eagerly awaited the day that could take a picture of the fact that my 1 year old is still rear facing! (Please disregard her massive fit...she was pissed she couldn't play with the iphone).

The sad truth is, that our laws are do NOT have our children's best interest at heart. I am the momma and I DO have Selah's best interest at heart. I first learned of extended rear facing in Atlanta. There were billboards everywhere saying, "rear face until 2 years old". I thought it was crazy. I remember thinking, "What about their feet?" "Surely no one actually does this". Then a friend posted a picture of her 4 year old rear facing...so I read the article she linked too and the rest is history.

Look, do what you want with your kids in the car, but physics is on my side...Children 2 and under are 532% safer in a rear facing car seat. Bones do not ossify until between ages 4-6. http://www.joelsjourney.org/ContactUs.html This link is to the story of a little boy named Joel. He was 18 months and 33 lbs and forward facing in his carseat when he and his mother were in a car accident and Joel broke his neck. What amazed me was the picture on his website of a little girl name Theresa. Theresa was in a forward facing car seat at age 3 and sustained the same injuries as 18 month old Joel. At age 4 the risk of forward facing begins to drop significantly but continues to be a benefit. I will move heaven and earth to keep Selah and future "mooslings" rear facing until 4 years old, but if they still fit, they will still sit! I want maximum safety for my baby :)!