I was sent a video showing the safety aspects/differences between forward facing car seats and rear facing car seats. The main idea is that you should always use rear facing car seats for as long as possible. As long as you are abiding by the regulation height and weight requirements of the car seat, you should continue using a rear facing car seat. The video is below - it shows several quotes by various doctors, and safety organizations, as well as a few crash tests. I found it very interesting and thought you guys/gals would too!
I just wanted to say a big “Thank you” for posting this video. There is a common misconception in this world today that babies are ready to be turned around at the magic age of 1 or 20 pounds. The truth is that the BARE MINIMUM is 1 years AND 20 pounds, not either or and that children aren’t really ready to be turned yet. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) now recomends that babies stay rear facing as long as possible. I still have my 27 month old happily rear facing and have no plans to turn his until he reaches the maximum height or weight limits on his Britax seat.
Here is a DIRECT quote from the AAP website.
‘A child who weighs 20 pounds or exceeds the height limit for the car safety seat before she reaches 1 year of age should continue to ride rear-facing in a seat with higher weight and height limits. It is best to ride rear-facing as long as possible.’
Another key point to remember when using a rear facing seat is to remember to use the harness correct EVERY time. The straps should be AT or BELOW the shoulders for rear facing and AT or ABOVE the shoulders for forward facing. The chest clip should be at armpit level and the harness should be “as snug as hug”. This means you should be able to fit two fingers under the straps but you should not be able to pinch any slack in the harness. This also include bulky snow suits and car seat add ons that don’t come with the car seat. Using bulky snow suits or jackets interfere with the harness straps and actually compress during an accident allowing the child to be ejected from the car seat. Here is a GREAT video that I found on YouTube showing the the dangers and also provides some great tips for keeping babu warm this winter!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM1LJaOIu34
Safe travels!
Jackie
Mom to a 6.5 year old who still rides in a 5 point harness & a 27 month old who still rides rear facing!