How Long Should Toddlers Ride Rear-Facing in a Car seat?
November 11th, 2009New research indicates that toddlers are more than five times safer riding rear-facing in a car seat up to their second birthday.
Many car seats can rear-face to a limit of 30-35 pounds. There are a few car seats with newer weight limits to 40 and even 45 pounds while rear-facing. Be sure to read the manufactures instructions to learn the limits on your child’s car seat.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending that all infants and toddlers remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight limit for their model of child restraint, or at least 2 years of age. By keeping toddlers rear-facing longer this will protect the child’s neck and spine in the event of a significant crash. The crash forces will be absorbed by the child restraint and not the child.
A concern for many parents is “Where will my child put their legs?” – children are very flexible and will find a way to sit in their car seat. Studies have shown very few, if any, lower leg or foot injuries while rear-facing. The children are exercising their hips and legs while riding this way which strengthens their muscles and helps them to become better athletes! However if the child is facing forward – many head, neck and spine injuries are reported. These injuries can be very serious.
Recently, WISC did an in depth report on this very issue. Click on the play button on the lower left to view the report.