October 12, 2011
New Safety Regulations for Car Seats
Did you know that car crashes are the LEADING CAUSE of death for children 3 to 14 years old. So it is important to follow the rules of recommended by National Highway Traffic Safety Admin.
This past spring the American Academy of Pediatrics updated the standard for car seats and is now recommending that children under the age of two years old ride in a rear facing car seat. In a crash, this position reduced the stress to the child’s neck and spinal cord.
New regulations suggest using rear facing car seats until two years old.
Parents Want Front Facing Children
While new studies show that it is safer for kids to stay in rear facing car seat until age two, an article in US health shows that many parents are in a hurry to move the car seat forward ~ I know we were. But here is why you should consider this new recommendation:
The Effects of a Car Collision
Because front end collisions are so common, having a child in a rear facing car seat is five times safer than having them face forward. Small children have tiny necks and their spinal cords are not very strong yet, especially to support the weight of the head. When a car gets in an accident, the child’s head snaps forward – putting a high amount of pressure on the neck. Keeping your child rear facing allows the impact to be spread across the child’s back. When a child is forward facing, the impact is not spread across the back, but the straps are then the only object that protect the child, making the risk of a head or neck injury very high.
State Laws about Car Seat Safety
Each state varies on the laws associated with car seat safety. There is currently no state law that says children need to be in rear facing car seats until the age of two BUT it is highly recommend by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Find the Right Car Seat
Find the right type of car seat that is both safe and comfortable for your little one so their legs are not crammed against the back seat. The Chicago Tribune just had a great article on choosing the right car seat for your child and car, check it out for more great tips!
Proper Installation of your Car Seat
Over half of all the car seats that are installed, are installed incorrectly. It is extremely important to make sure that you have all of your car seats checked by a certified car seat inspection station.
There are over 20 Car Seat Inspection Stations right here in the metro at some fire stations, Police Departments and some hospitals. Not sure how to find a car seat inspection station? Call out your local fire department or check out the National Highway Traffic Safety for an inspection location near you.
Tips:
1. Follow your car seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual on how to install.
2. Have a Certified Technician check your car seat installation for FREE.
3. Register your child’s car seat and receive notifications of defects or recalls
