Rear- Facing Car Seats (Infant seats and Convertible seats):
All children should remain rear- facing until 2 years of age OR until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat. You will need to change from an infant carrier to a convertible seat as your child grows.
It is ok if your child’s legs touch the seat in front, leg injuries are rare.
These guidelines seem extreme BUT the reduction in neck and head injury is great so it is worth the change.
Forward- Facing Car Seats:
Children 2 years and older OR children younger than 2 (but older than 12 months) who have outgrown the highest weight or height allowed by their rear-facing car seat should use a forward-facing car seat with a 5 point restraint.
Booster Seats:
These are for children 40 lbs. and up who have outgrown the forward-facing car seat (above height/ weight limit or shoulders above top harness slots/ears above top of seat).
Either a high back booster or backless booster is ok as long as the shoulder belt and lap belt fit correctly (see below).
They should remain in this seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat.
Seat Belts:
Children taller than 4 feet 9 inches and between the ages of 8-12 years are ready to sit in a regular car seat with an adult seat belt if:
- Lap belt lies low and snug across upper thighs (does not hit belly).
- Shoulder belt crosses the middle of the child’s chest and shoulder (avoids neck and throat).
- Your child is tall enough to sit against the car seat back with his/her knees bent without slouching and can stay in this position comfortably throughout the trip.
CHILDREN UNDER 13 YEARS OF AGE SHOULD NOT SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT OF THE CAR FOR OPTIMAL PROTECTION.
Please visit your local car seat inspection center : 1-866-SEATCHECK; www.seatcheck.org
by Dr. Jennifer Coren Hatboro Pediatrics www.hatboropediatrics.com
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