May 11, 09 | Posted by: David Melbye, M.D.

New car seat information – what you need to know.

There is new information about car seat safety that kids ages 1-2 are not going to be happy about.   Lucky for me they don’t know how to read.  According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) there is new research that indicates children under the age of 2 are more than 5 times safer riding in a rear facing car seat.  Up until now the recommendations have been to have your child in a forward facing car seat once they are 1 year of age and 20 pounds, and for now that is still the law.  I know a lot of your toddlers are not going to be happy about having to turn around and face backwards until they are 2, but if they are 5 times safer it is definitely in their best interest.

These are the updated infant care seat safety guidelines:

• 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 22-32 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 are visit www.seatcheck.org or www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cps/cps-fitting/index.cfm.  You can also call 866-SEATCHECK (866-732-8243) or 888-327-4236.  In our area many of the local fire departments will help you install or check your car seat.

While we are talking about car seats, this seems a perfect time to note that Bayshore Pediatrics has partnered with local police and fire departments to sponsor the WHALE (We Have A Little Emergency) car seat identification program.  For more information, see our web site.  The next time your in our office or having your car seat checked at the Northshore Fire Department, ask for a packet for your car seat.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the warmer weather (it was here).

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