Generally, forward facing isn't recommended until after 1 yr and 20 lbs. The reason is that babies younger and smaller than that don't have enough neck strength to support their heads in a crash if they face forward. This puts them at risk for serious head and neck injuries. It's still recommended to keep them rear facing even if they're tall enough for their legs to look squished. Yes, there's a possibility of broken legs in an accident, but broken legs are far more easily repaired than head and neck injuries.