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Originally Posted by mommieof2cuties
All carseats should be installed using the latch and top tether when it can be as that is the best way to install.
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A seat correctly installed with a seatbelt is just as safe as one correctly installed with LATCH. LATCH may make it easier to get a proper installation, but is not in and of itself safer.
skilack - The maximum height and weight is totally dependent upon the seat and the maximums for that seat. There is a sticker on your child's car seat that will tell you what those maximums are for rear and forward facing. The one year and 20 lbs minimum is to get the child to a developmental point where their body is hopefully strong enough to withstand the crash forces while forward facing. The older/bigger/stronger they are the better though. That is why it is better to keep them rear facing as long as possible. (We would all be better off rear facing but I would get mighty car sick!)
To the best of my knowledge there are no documented cases of children who legs where injured in a crash because their legs were touching the back of the seat, folded, or whatever. But there are many children in hosptials with horrific neck and spinal injuries because they were turned around too soon. Keep them rear facing until they max out the rear facing weight limit for the seat or max out of the seat in height. Whichever comes first. (I have one of those tall skinny kids who always out grew them in height first too.
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