A pediatricians group is recommending that children ride in rear-facing safety seats longer than originally suggested, report media sources.
According to the American Association of Pediatricians, children from infancy through age 2 (or until the child has outgrown the seat) should ride in rear-facing car safety seats. The three types of rear-facing safety seats are infant-only, convertible and 3-in-1 seats. Once a child exceeds the weight or height limit set by the car safety seat’s manufacturer. Once a child has reached the weight or height limit set by a safety seat manufacturer, the child should be graduated to the next type of seat.
Depending on the model, infant-only seats can be used for infants up to 22 to 35 pounds, often have convenience features like carrying handles or stroller integration. Convertible seats, which can be used rear-facing then later forward-facing as a child grows, often have higher height and weight limits (30 to 40 pounds) for rear-facing use than infant-only seats.
Three-in-one seats can be used rear- or forward-facing or as a belt-positioning booster. Like convertible seats, 3-in-1 seats usually have higher weight and height limits; however they are often bulkier, so it is best to check for adequate space inside the vehicle before purchasing a 3-in-1 seat. Neither convertible nor 3-in-1 seats have convenience features.
Child safety seats are an integral part of vehicle safety for children. As a Los Angeles personal injury attorney, I encourage parents to secure their children using the appropriate vehicle safety restrains.