Is Your Toddler in the Right Car Seat?
New research indicates that toddlers are more than five times safer riding rear-facing in a
car safety seat up to their second birthday. Following are some safety tips for car seat use:
- All infants should ride rear-facing in either an infant car seat or convertible seat.
- If an infant car seat is used, the infant should be switched to a rear-facing convertible car seat once the maximum height (when the infant’s head is within 1 inch of the top of the seat) and weight (usually 22 pounds to 32 pounds) have been reached for that infant seat as suggested by the car seat manufacturer.
- Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2.
Dean Foundation offers the Every Ride a Safe Ride program to promote child passenger safety and education. The program also offers car seat rentals and free car seat inspections. For more information on the Every Ride a Safe Ride program, visit www.dean.org. For members who live outside of Dane County, visit www.seatcheck.org to find a certified passenger safety technician in your area. You also can call 866-SEAT CHECK (866-732-8243) or 888-327-4236.
Information in this article was adapted from The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009.
lead to an external site |