This is an important bit of information for any parent of a child under two-years of age – or folks who are thinking about having a child. Today, several safety agencies posted their assertion that child safety seats should be used for a longer period of time. Two full years of age, or when the child has outgrown the rear facing seat is now recommended.
As a parent with a child under two-years of age, this is a very important concern, and not to be taken lightly. Word on the street is that firemen call the rear facing child seat the “orphan seat” based on how often the child in that seat survives verses the rest of the vehicle’s occupants. It’s a sobering reality and an excellent gage on how effective these seats can be.
“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.” – – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Make sure that harness is snug regardless of the position of your child. I’ve seen more than one example of children being able to wiggle out of part of a harness because it was too loose. The potential velocity of an impact could catapult your child if the harness is improperly used.
You can find more information from the NHTSA regarding child seats by clicking (HERE)
Here’s some levity to counter the sobering reality of this post – enjoy!
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