Car seat safety

I'm looking into becoming a car seat technician. In the course of my research, I've learned a lot. The most important thing I've learned is how much safer extended rear facing is. I flipped Jack right after he turned 1. Those were the guidelines at the time. We flipped Nina right at 2 because we thought it might help her not hate the car. It did nothing and she'll be going back to RF as soon as my hand is strong enough to lift her in and out multiple times a day. Right now she's climbing in herself, which is a great help to me. 

http://csftl.org/why-rear-facing-the-science-junkies-guide/

It does not matter how tall or heavy your baby is. The fact is their spine is not developed to be forward facing before two, at a minimum. The closer to 4 before maxing out the height/weight minimums the better. They are not uncomfortable RFing. Their bodies are much more flexible than an adults. They will not get broken legs, ankles, etc, in an accident. There have been no documented cases of broken limbs due to rear facing. There have been plenty of documented cases of severe injuries and death by forward facing too early. 

In many states, forward facing before one is illegal. A lot of states have "proper use" laws, which mean following the car seat manufacturers requirements. There's not a seat on the market that doesn't have a minimum guideline lower than 1 year AND 20lbs. (FYI, belt positioning boosters are not meant for children under 5)

Another fact: most pediatricians aren't knowledgeable about car seat safety studies. If your doctor tells you it's okay to FF before 2, they are being negligent. The AAP guidelines state RF until at least 2. This is a MINIMUM. The safest is to have the child rear face as close to 4 as possible. 

At least 90% of car seats are installed or not used properly. That's a scary statistic. That's 1/10 kids who are truly safe in the car. Google CSPTs in your area. A certified tech will not install your seat for you, but will help you install your seat and ensure you know how to use it safely and properly every time. 

Look up the laws in your state to find out if you're inadvertently breaking one. 

http://csftl.org/resources/state-laws/mobile-state-laws/