A few pointers from today’s news release:
The new policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics, published Monday in the Pediatrics medical journal, is buoyed by research that shows children under 2 are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are in a rear-facing child restraint.
The pediatricians also recommend that children remain in booster seats until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall — a height most kids don’t reach until they are between 8 and 12 years old. This guideline exceeds Illinois’ child restraint law, which is among the toughest in the nation because it requires children under age 8 to use child safety seats or boosters.
On Monday, the federal government is set to issue its updated child seat guidance that echoes the pediatricians’ advice.
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A lot of people think this is ridiculous, but I really researched this when decided whether or not to turn my son around and found that many countries keep their kids rear facing until age 4. These countries have extremely low vehicular infant mortality rates. I did go ahead and turn my son around at 18 months because he was huge (bigger than some two year olds) and about met the height/ weight requirement for the car seat's rear facing instructions.
I don't know ANY moms who have kept their kids rear facing until two, but think it's a really great thing!
This is really a good move by the the federal government. Keeping the children from car accidents is a great idea.
The new policy is on the right track. I agree that safety should be given priority especially for children. The parents should be responsible enough for their children's safety in the car.