The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its recommendations for child car safety. The recommendations raises the time that a baby should face backwards age to two years of age (formerly, it was 1 year and 20 pounds). The seat must be approved for facing backwards at the child’s current weight and length, however, or the child should face forwards (if the seat is designed for that) or change seats.
This recommendation is based on a large study several years ago that showed that children from 1-2 years of age were 75% likely to be injured in an accident if the seat was facing backwards. Many of us have been suggesting to parents since then that it is safer to face backwards if the seat is designed for it. Now the recommendation is official.
The report keeps in place previous recommendations for older children. In summary:
- Infant-only or convertible rear-facing (approved) seat for infants and toddlers up to 2 years of age or until outgrown recommendations for the seat.
- Forward facing car seat for children age 2 (or under 1-2 years of age who have outgrown seat recommendations for rear-facing)up to about 4 years of age (once outgrow seat).
- Booster seat for children age 4 up to 8-12 years of age (until reach 4 ft 9 in (57 in) tall.
- Lap and shoulder belts for all children who have outgrown booster seats
- No riding in front seat until age 13.