Car Seat Rear Facing Age
Consumer reports shares details on the new american academy of pediatrics recommendation for keeping children in rear facing car seats.
Car seat rear facing age. Only rear facing car seats can be approved according to the plus test. In addition to the new guidelines members of the aap emphasized the importance of keeping all children under the age of 13 in the car s back seat. Depends on the car seat but most convertible seats have rear facing height limits that require the child s head to be at least 1 inch below the top. When is it safe to turn a rear facing car seat around.
Recent studies suggest rear facing restraints can reduce the risk of traumatic injuries in crashes by at least 70 percent. Rear or forward facing child car seat high backed booster seat or booster cushion using a seat belt harness or safety shield manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. The american academy of pediatrics used to recommend rear facing seats for children until at least age 2. In a rear facing car seat the chance of injuries to the arms and legs in a crash is less than 1 in 10 000 hoffman recommends keeping your child in a rear facing seat for as long as possible or at least until the age of 2.
Many have higher limits in rear facing weight up to 40 50 pounds and height than those of rear facing only seats a feature that makes convertible seats ideal for bigger babies and toddlers. Any age so long as the child is within the height and weight limits for their rear facing car seat. Now the organization is updating its. It can be purely rear facing rear and forward facing combi car seat or forward facing only.
What to think about when choosing a toddler car seat. Have a 5 point harness that attaches at the shoulders at the hips and between the legs. Rear facing devices are the safest seats for infants and toddlers. Depends on the car seat but most convertible seats have rear facing weight limits of 40 to 50 pounds.
Convertible or combination car seat used forward facing. The aap has removed the age guideline placing the emphasis. Learn more about using a forward facing car seat including types to choose from and the age height and weight at which you might be able. Most convertible seats can be used rear facing up to 40 lb 18 kg and up to two years of age or longer.