You're right, you're not supposed to switch them to a forward facing position before one year AND 20 lbs, but that recommendation is the bare minimun. I know how frustrating and even distracting it can be to have a crying baby in the car. If he's still in the carrier type seat, he may do better if he were more upright while rear facing. A Convertible carseat will allow this, and believe it our not you can get a pretty good one for about $35 if money is a concern. The Costco Serena is available and Walmart and KMart for sure and quite possibly other stores, too. Also, maybe try different types of distrations in the back for him like toys, books, snacks, even a DVD. The longer you can keep him rear facing the better. Weight and height really have nothing to do with the safety level of a child who is forward facing. It has to do with the hardening of the spine. Baby's and toddler have soft spines, and are at a much higher risk of serious injuries and even death. Research has found that this risk is more then 4 times greater for children under two who are foward facing versus children who are rear facing. It's pretty scary, and unfortunatly not common knowledge yet. So, try whatever you can to help your little guy to be happier in the rear facing position for as long as you can, especially while he's still under a year old. Hopefully something will work for him. Good luck, and hang in there. :o)