Crash Data Leads to Revised Child Car Seat Age Recommendations

Car Seats Save Lives -credit: D Robert Curry

For years now the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that infants should remain in rear facing car seats until they are at least one year old and at least twenty pounds in weight. In light of recent statistical data, that recommendation has been changed.

After a review of data from auto accidents, the group has determined that children who were under the age of 2 were about 75% less likely to suffer severe injury or death in a car crash if they were seated in a rear facing seat. The findings were published in the journal Pediatrics earlier this month.

Based on this new information, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in rear facing car seats until at least 2 years of age. In this position, according to the report, the head, neck and spine are supported much better through an improved distribution of weight. This support is at its highest during frontal impact crashes, which statistically make up the majority of crashes.

The group urges parents not to panic if they have already turned their children to forward facing seats. The most important factor in protecting children under the age of 4 is that they are in a car seat that is properly installed. The study indicated that risk of injury is reduced by 82% and risk of death is reduced by 28% by having the child in any properly installed car seat.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics