when can a baby face forward in a car

In Australia, babies under 6 months must ride rear-facing—no debate, that’s the law. From 6 months to under 4 years, they must be in an approved child restraint, and while forward-facing is allowed, it’s safer to keep them rear-facing for as long as they fit the seat. Use the seat’s shoulder height markers: when they reach the upper rear-facing marker and meet the forward-facing marker, you can turn them. Keep the harness snug, top tether attached, and the seat installed correctly—get it checked if you’re not confident. Different states phrase the rules slightly differently, but the gist is the same: don’t rush the turn just because they’ve had a half-birthday.