We went rear facing infant specific until a little over a year. I know that is a no-no by todays standards, but after a year, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep them entertained looking at the headrest. Also, if they grow reasonably quickly, after about a year, leg room into the seat back begins to become a premium. I think we were in a Graco for a while, but I think we went to a flip around Britax before the end of the first year thru year 3 or maybe 4 and now she is in a booster, Graco I think.
Also, my part of the rear to front swap is that when you are driving with a little on, you are going to be super vigilant and the chances of you hitting someone is far less likely than you being hit by someone. The rear facing is to protect from whipping the head forward in a frontal collision, however in the event of being rear-ended, the intent is negated. While I know I don't have all the research and testing, but general logic tells me I should be right on that. Fortunately we never tested either theory.
She was a trooper on that first trip. Had a blast and it was all of our first real wheeling trip. She has been on a few more, and now we are going to start working her into more trips since she has gotten a little older.
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@Godwin pretty well hit it. The fear will keep you on your toes, but the biggest thing I can offer is just hold on tight and cherish what you can because far to soon kindergarten will be starting and you are dropping them off trying to figure out where the time went.
It is the greatest and most terrifying adventure you guys will ever take together, it is Awesome!!
