RF position question?

[wookumus]

Because of the size of our car, we have our convertible (alpha omega elite) carseat on the side, not in the middle.  That way we only have to push one seat forward rather than both in order to get the seat in the right angle.  We had a discussion at a mom's group recently and one mom switched her daughter to front-facing well before 2 years as she thought it was safer to have her kiddo in the middle FF rather than on the side, RF.  Any thoughts?  And better yet, any references that discuss this dilemma?  Thanks!

[jocelyndale]

I'm sure a tech has the numbers, but rearfacing for babies and toddlers is significantly safer than forward facing.  There is a small benefit to being in the middle vs on the side, but I think the benefits of rearfacing are still far greater.

Keep your babe RF on the side.  :)

[wookumus]

We're definitely staying RF.  The discussion started because one mom asked for our opinion because she is bought a convertible and is having trouble with the same fit issue we have.  The car-safety.org website had very good information about the severity of front impact collisions which is the basis for the RF argument.  I sent her the link, hope it will help!

[DahliaRW]

And remember the car seat can be more upright for older babies and toddlers.  Which makes it take up less room front to back.