This summer, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated their recommendations on car seat safety. In particular, they have recommended that all infants and children should sit in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, until they have reached the height/weight limits of the seat. (Previously, the AAP had recommended switching to forward facing at 2 years of age)|
The AAP also confirmed the following recommendations:
- Once they are facing forward, children should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, until they reach the height and weight limits for their seats. Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.
- When children exceed these limits, they should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly. This is often when they have reached at least 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years old.
- When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.
- All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.
More information can be found in the AAP's press release on their statement and more details about car seat safety in general can be found at the healthychildren.org website.
