One of the most dangerous places for a child is riding in the car. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. Over the last 10 years, 4 children under 14 and younger died each day.” On August 30th, The American Academy of Pediatrics released new recommendations on car seats for children. The number one way to keep your children safe while driving, is having the correct protection. Both having the proper car seat and using it for the appropriate amount of time are imperative to your child’s safety.
Car seat regulations are changing, favoring a child’s size over their age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should be delaying their child’s transition from rear to front facing car seats, keeping children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. In the past, car seats have catered to your child’s age rather than their size, stating that babies should remain in rear-facing car seats until the age of two, then make the transition to a front-facing car seat. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the size of your children should determine when they should switch from rear to front facing car seats.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has officially stated that children should “ride in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed; according to the seat’s manufacturer.” This new research sheds light on car safety for children and ultimately states that parents should delay the transition from rear-facing to front-facing car seats.
If you are unsure about the car seat you are using and which direction is best for your child, speak to your Pediatric Care Group pediatrician to make sure you are making the safest decision for your children. For more information or research regarding the new guidelines to see how your children can be affected, review the release from American Academy of Pediatrics.
