Newsletter Details

There has been recent discussion about Car Safety Seats. Various pediatric publications have restated the standing AAP policy from 2002, with more emphasis on the latter part of the statement.

The following is the AAP statement:

“Children should face the rear of the vehicle until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 lb to decrease the risk of cervical spine injury in the event of a crash. Infants who weigh 20 lb before 1 year of age should ride rear facing in a convertible seat or infant seat approved for higher weights until at least 1 year of age. If a car safety seat accommodates children rear facing to higher weights, for optimal protection, the child should remain rear facing until reaching the maximum weight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back.”

Rear facing is still the safest position for toddlers after 12 months of age, to the maximum weight for your car safety seat.

See the following 2009 guide to car seats, issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm

The following link provides further discussion and pictures of children older than 12 months who fit comfortably in the rear facing position.

• http://cpsafety.com/