Subscribe with Feedburner

SafeMama Sponsors

Fellow Safe Mamas

Grab Our Badge!

Missions We Support

GoGoShopper.com: Daily Coupons

PR Web Coupons

Know you are protected with great local car insurance

baby shower decorations

Filed Under Car Safety

I’m not sure why this hasn’t happened sooner, especially since it’s been the ongoing recommendation of many car seat manufacturers. But today the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its guidelines for car seat restraints for children. In the new guidelines, NHTSA is advising parents and caregivers to keep children in their appropriate seat restraint for as long as possible before moving up to the next style seat. This includes rear-facing, forward-facing and booster seats.

In “keeping pace” with the latest scientific and medical research, NHTSA is following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends parents keep children in “rear-facing restraints until two years of age or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.” The AAP indicates that there should be no rush to move kids up to the next level of seat restraint if not absolutely possible.

NHTSA’s new recommendations aim to help parents in chosing the right seat for their child by selecting seats based on the childs height, weight AND age:

Birth to 1: Children under the age of 1 should always ride on a REAR-FACING car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats: Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in 1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.

Age 1 – 3: Keep your 1 to 3 year old children in a REAR-FACING car seat for as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep them safe. They should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once outgrown the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a FORWARD-FACING car seat with a harness.

Age 4 – 7: Keep your 4 to 7 year old children in their FORWARD-FACING car seat with a harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once they outgrow their forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel on a BOOSTER SEAT … but still in the rear seat.

Age 8 – 12: Keep your 8 to 12 year old children on their BOOSTER SEAT until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. Seat Belts – For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face.

Please visit the NHTSA website for more information about the new recommendations and to find a Certified Car Seat Inspection location near you.

Posted by: SafeMama Kathy on March 21, 2011

Search Technorati for links to this post

Comments

9 Responses to “NHSTA Announces New Car Seat Recommendations”

Erika on March 22nd, 2011 1:38 am

So does this mean my 7 year old daughter must be in a Booster Seat. She weighs 38lbs. And will I get a ticket or not. Just wondering. Please respond. I live in Las Vegas,Nv. Thank you for your time on this matter
SafeMama Kathy on March 22nd, 2011 2:15 pm

@Erika: It means, for her safety, you should follow the guidelines set forth by NHTSA. I don’t know if you’ll get a ticket (you might – it depends) but I’d never recommend someone NOT put their child in a booster seat. 38 pounds is pretty small for a 7 year old and she should be in a harnessed car seat or at the very least a booster seat so that the seat belt is properly positioned on her body to protect her in a crash.
Melissa on March 24th, 2011 9:28 pm

According to this, I should be in a booster seat too because the seat belts fit across my neck not shoulder. Mind you, I am 34 years old.
Give me a break. I cannot see putting a 12 year old in a booster seat. Come on.
SafeMama Kathy on March 26th, 2011 9:09 am

@Melissa: I think the point they’re making is that if your child is too small to properly fit a regular seat belt it should be adjusted with a booster (phone book style probably) so that the risk of bodily injury is minimal during a crash.
Tracey on March 26th, 2011 11:06 am

In my state the law says that kids need to be 8 years old or 80 lbs to graduate out of a booster. You’ll get a ticket if they aren’t properly restrained, but the underlying issue is that it’s safer for them to be in these seats.

My son just turned three last week and is 39 lbs. I was sad that we needed to turn his convertible carseat from forward facing with a harness to the booster setting because he’s met the upper weight limit of the seat with a harness.
Liz Amason on March 27th, 2011 4:43 am

I was a Certified Child Safety Seat installer for several years.
As to receiving tickets, you need to check the laws set up specifically for your state.
Also, if a child’s size does not appropriately work within the age guidelines, then you go by size, not by age.
Hope that helps!
SafeMama Kathy on March 27th, 2011 11:23 am

Thanks Liz! I also think that whether or not you get a ticket shouldn’t be the concern… I’d be more worried about the maximum safety of the child.
Laura on March 31st, 2011 12:57 pm

Thank you for posting this! I feel like everyone needs to know! I’m still rear facing my almost 20 month old. He’s approximately 27lbs and about 33 inches. His legs are against the seat, but safety comes before other less important factors. When I try to share this information with other moms I know, I often meet resistance. Many people feel it would be inconvenient because their child likes to see things facing forward. I also get comments on how they think it would be less safe in the event of a rear impact crash. Or that their child would be uncomfortable with their legs crunched up. I always say Nate is just fine and happy and he doesn’t know any different. I will never compromise on my child’s safety especially in an area such as this. Thanks again! I love your site!
Laura on March 31st, 2011 1:00 pm

Forgot to add: I asked my pediatrician at my son’s 15 month check up to confirm that the AAP has been recommending extended rear facing until atleast 2 years old since 2009. She had no idea. I’m glad I resisted turning him forward facing despite her telling me it would be okay and that at one year and 20 lbs the risk of neck injury was decreased.