Keep Your Toddle in a Rear-Facing Car Seat Until Age 2
New research indicates that toddlers are more than five times safer riding rear-facing in a car safety seat up to their second birthday. Following are some safety tips for car seat use:
- All infants should ride rear-facing in either an infant car seat or convertible seat.
- If an infant car seat is used, the infant should be switched to a rear-facing convertible car seat once the maximum height (when the infant's head is within 1 inch of the top of the seat) and weight (usually 22 to 32 pounds) have been reached for that infant seat as suggested by the car seat manufacturer.
- Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2
- To see if your car seat is installed properly and to find a certified passenger safety technician in your area, visit www.seatcheck.org or www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm . You can also call 866-SEATCHECK (866-732-8243) or 888-327-4236
This article was taken from the April 2009 issue of AAP News.
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