Yes, I realize he is 2...

No, that doesn't automatically mean we're switching his car seat to forward facing. Yowzah, now that C is two years old, we've started getting the subtle (and not so subtle) side eye from people wondering, "When are you turning his car seat around?" and even a "Why are you torturing him like that?"

Does this cute face look tortured?

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pic - we were running late to daycare/work/life this morning.

About a year ago when C turned one, we got the same questions and wrote this post about car seat safety and I'm happy to update that our plans haven't changed and C is still happily rear facing in both of our cars (an '09 Nissan Versa and a '10 Dodge Grand Caravan).

Trust me, I understand that extended rear facing is going to be dependent on the size of the kid, the type of car seat, the type of car, etc. At 33 lbs (90% for weight) and 36" (80% for height), however, C not a tiny kid and this is a pretty typical, mid range car seat (Graco My Ride 65) - nothing super expensive or specialty. He can see plenty well out the side windows (especially in the van), loves putting his feet up on the seat, and its not any more of a struggle to get him strapped in than if he was facing forward.

How long will he be rear facing? We're fortunate that this car seat is rated to rear face up until 40 lbs. so he's got a little ways to go yet. Another 7 lbs. could be 6 months, could be a year - who knows. The seat then flips forward for up to 65 lbs., but the newer Graco Ride4Me seats go up to 70 lbs.

So, when your little one turns 2, definitely assess what is best for your family, but don't feel like forward facing is your only option. Even adults would be safer rear facing...if that was somehow possible.

As a bonus piece of unsolicited advice...when I was finishing this post, I saw this picture pop up on my Facebook news feed and thought it was perfect with winter coming. Despite knowing this information, these pictures shocked me!

No, they didn't adjust the straps in between pictures. In an accident, a soft puffy coat gets compressed, leaving a lot of room for the child to move within the straps. Now, this doesn't mean your kid can't wear a coat, but there is a huge difference between a ski jacket and a fitted coat. For little ones, a blanket is much safer than a head to toe bundle up outfit. Just food for thought as the winter approaches!

If you're interested in seeing other comparison pictures of car seat do's and don'ts, check out the Picture Guide to Car Seat Safety on the Daily Momtra.

Safe travels, little ones! :-)