The Latest News on Car Safety Seats

         During the last few years, there have been a number of changes in the recommendations for child safety seats.  Rear-facing infant car seats are recommended starting at birth up to the weight or height limit of your individual seat.  Each seat is different, so check your manufacturer’s specifications.  At minimum, keep your infant rear-facing until they are at least 12 months AND 20 pounds.  A common error in new parents is to keep the shoulder straps too loose.  Straps should be snug, and a parent should be able to barely fit two fingers under the straps. 

            Once they outgrow their infant car seat, change to a rear-facing convertible seat.  It is safest for your child to stay in the rear-facing position until they reach height or weight limit for that seat in the rear-facing position.  Be aware that most seats have different weight limits and height limits for the forward-facing and rear-facing positions.  For a good, comprehensive list of seats, check out the following website: 

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Product-Listing-2010.aspx

            When looking for a new convertible seat, try to find one that will hold your child in the rear-facing position as long as possible, at least until the age of 2.  Some models will hold your child rear-facing until 45 pounds.  Rear-facing seats are better equipped to support your child’s back, neck, and head in the event of an accident.  Recent studies show children under 2 are five times safer in the event of an accident in the rear-facing position (Henary B, et al. Inj Prev. 2007;13:398-402).  Europe has been practicing this safety measure far longer than the United States.  In Sweden, children ride rear-facing until the age of four.  They also have car seats that are designed to hold the child in the rear-facing position for longer.  The United States is starting to catch up with this practice.   

            Once your child has reached the height or weight limits of your convertible sear, change to a booster seat.  Children under the age of 8 need to be restrained in a booster seat unless they are 4’9″ tall.  If your child is over 8 years old and not yet 4 feet 9 inches, keep them in a booster seat.  4 feet 9 inches is the height at which a shoulder harness will typically fit securely over the shoulder of a child.   All children should still ride in the back seat until they reach the age of 13. 

            To make sure that your seat is installed correctly, have it checked by a certified passenger safety technician.  85% of child safety seats are not installed properly.  There are regularly scheduled events in the Austin area, and you can find out where by calling 1-866-SEATCHECK (1-866-732-8243) or check out www.seatcheck.org.

            Lastly, parents – you also need to buckle up.  It is now law for all passengers (front seat and back seat).  One-quarter of children killed in auto accidents are crushed by an adult not wearing a seatbelt.  Please don’t let this happen to your family.  We at Capital Pediatric Group hope you and your family stay safe in the vehicle.