New Rear-facing Safety Seat Guideline for Toddlers - Do you know what it is?

Turning baby's car seat around is the only milestone to delay as long as possible. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends toddlers remain seated in a rear-facing convertible seat at least until age 2.

Previously, experts recommended that a baby graduates to a forward-facing seat at age 1 and 20 pounds.  That's not the case anymore.  Studies cited by the AAP show that toddlers are at least 5 times safer riding in a rear-facing safety seat until their 2^nd birthday.

As an experienced Ocala, Florida, accident lawyer, I've seen my share of helping people after tragic car wrecks-the most devastating involving children.  I join the AAP in urging parents to delay turning around a toddler's seat as long as possible-at minimum, until age 2 or until they reach the maximum height and weight recommended by the seat manufacturer.

So, why the change?  Experts recognize that kids are anatomically different than adults.  Testing with child-sized crash test dummies shows that toddlers are especially vulnerable to head and cervical spine trauma.  Biomechanically, a child's neck is flexible to help with the birth process-and the neck may remain vulnerable up until age 12! 

Experts actually recommend that not only toddlers ride rear-facing, but kids and adults too.  The biggest obstacle to longer rear-facing rides is simply changing a parent's perception.

Studies show that as a child moves through various car seat stages-from an infant seat, to a convertible, to a booster, and finally to a regular seat belt-each offers less protection than the prior phase.  So, delay your toddler's graduation-and keep them buckled in a rear-facing seat as long as possible.

To check the installation of your child's safety seat, make an appointment with Safe Kids of North Central Florida.

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