The AAP has just released new recommendations regarding the use of car safety seats.
Parents are advised to keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for their seat. Children should transition from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat with a harness, until they reach the maximum weight or height for that seat. Then a booster will make sure the vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt fit properly. The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not near the neck or face. The lap belt should fit low and snug on the hips and upper thighs, not across the belly. Most children will need a booster seat until they have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years old. Additionally, children should ride in the rear of a vehicle until they are 13 years old.
Although the Federal Aviation Administration permits children under age 2 to ride on an adult’s lap on an airplane, they are best protected by riding in an age- and size-appropriate restraint.
It’s important that your child use the most appropriate child safety seat. Here is some information from the AAP that will be helpful to you as you ensure safe car riding for your child.
- Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2011
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