You probably remember bringing your little one home in a rear-facing car seat, but did you keep them facing that way long enough? Since 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that children remain in rear-facing car seats until they are at least 2 years old or until they outgrow the height and weight limits of their seat. This new guideline is a significant change from the previous recommendation of just turning the seat around at age 1 or 20 pounds. Unfortunately, a recent study shows that nearly 75% of parents are not adhering to these guidelines.
Researchers from the University of Michigan conducted two national surveys as part of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. They surveyed parents of 1- to 4-year-olds who had already switched their child’s car seat position. The first survey, conducted shortly after the AAP updated its guidelines in 2011, revealed that 33% of parents turned their seats around by 12 months. By 2013, that percentage had dropped to 24%.
Lead author Dr. Sarah Robinson commented, “While there has been some improvement with more parents delaying the switch to a forward-facing seat, nearly a quarter are still making the change before their child turns one.” This delay in transitioning to a forward-facing car seat is critical for ensuring child safety; car accidents are among the leading causes of death for children under 4. It’s tempting to want to see your baby while driving, but keeping them rear-facing for just a little longer can significantly reduce their risk of injury in a crash.
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In summary, a new study indicates that many parents are still turning their child’s car seat to a forward-facing position too early, despite updated safety guidelines suggesting otherwise. Keeping children in rear-facing seats longer can greatly enhance their safety during travel.
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