The newer models go to 30 and even 35 lbs with a height limit of 36 inches. A baby should ride rear facing until they are over one year of age and over 20 lbs.

My recommendation to parents is keep the child rear facing until they reach the height and weight limitations rear facing convertible seat. The reason for this is when they go forward facing, the harness must absorb all of the forces of the crash against the baby's body. With a rear facing installation, the baby's body, spine and head are pressed against the shell of the seat.

See the illustrations the clips. This is a test sled which simulates a vehicle traveling at 30 mph and colliding with a stationary object such as s cement wall or a large tree. The slow motion is misleading. This crash process occurs in less that 1/10th of a second. Notice the violent action against the infant dummy's neck and spine in the forward position versus the egg shell protection effect that the rear facing install offers!