Car Seat Safety: Following AAP Recommendations
As a pediatrician, one of the most important safety topics I discuss with families is proper car seat use. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using the right restraint at every stage of a child’s growth to help reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash.
Rear-Facing Car Seats
Children should ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Most children can remain rear-facing until at least age 2, and often longer. While some children have longer legs and may feel cramped, it is important to stay rear facing to protect their delicate necks from injury.
Forward-Facing Car Seats
Once a child outgrows their rear-facing seat, they should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Children should stay in a harnessed seat until they reach the seat’s height or weight limit. This is typically around 40 pounds and at least age 4 years.
Booster Seats
After outgrowing a forward-facing harnessed seat, children should use a belt-positioning booster seat. Most children are ready for a booster seat around 4 to 7 years of age and at least 40 pounds, although readiness depends on the child’s size and the limits of their car seat.
Children should remain in a booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt fits properly without it. For many children, this is not until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and 10 to 12 years old. While many children are eager to stop using a booster seat and ride like a big kid, moving too soon can increase the risk of injury because the seat belt may not fit properly.
Seat Belts (Lap and Shoulder Belt)
A child is ready to use the vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belt alone when:
- Their back rests against the vehicle seat.
- Their knees bend comfortably at the edge of the seat.
- The lap belt fits low across the upper thighs (not the stomach).
- The shoulder belt crosses the middle of the chest and shoulder (not the neck or face).
- They can stay seated correctly for the entire trip.
Back Seat Is Best
All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.
As families head out on summer road trips, take a few minutes before departure to check that car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are installed and used correctly on every ride—long or short.
Choosing the right car seat and transitioning at the appropriate time can make a significant difference in keeping your child safe on the road. If you’re unsure whether your child’s seat is appropriate, come talk to us!