Research In Action
Research In Action
Recently, Pennsylvania became the fourth US state to pass legislation requiring that young children are restrained in rear-facing child restraint systems until at least age 2. The law goes into effect in August 2016. While this has been the best practice recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2011, states are now starting to translate the recommendation into law. For many parents, keeping their child rear-facing for as long as possible has been a staple of their child passenger safety routine. But for parents with concerns about their child remaining rear-facing until age 2 (or beyond), we have compiled the answers to some commonly asked questions about rear-facing child safety seats.
Q: Is an infant carrier the safest option for my newborn? Or can I use a convertible child safety seat from the time my child is born?
A: An infant can ride in an infant-only car seat or a convertible car seat and both are equally as safe. Most convertible car seats start at 5 pounds so if your infant is under that weight, he will need to ride in an infant-only car seat that starts at a lower weight limit. However, most infants are 5 pounds or more at birth.
Q: Can my child stay in an infant carrier until age 2?
A: If your child fits within the height and weight limits of your infant carrier, he can certainly still ride in it until the age of 2. Today, weight limits on infant-only seats range from 22-35 pounds, so children may outgrow infant carriers before age 2. Keep track of the infant carrier’s limits and your child’s size.
Q: How should the harness look when my child is rear-facing?
A: The top of the harness straps should be at or below your child shoulders when riding rear-facing. The harness should be snug so that slack can’t be pinched near the shoulder. The top of the harness retainer clip should be at armpit level.
Q: What do I do with the handle on an infant carrier?
A: Every car seat manufacturer has different rules for the handle on their infant carrier. Some allow you to keep the handle upright during travel, while others require you to place it in a back locked position. Refer to your car seat owner’s manual for specific instructions on where to place the handle during travel.
Q: Can I use non-regulated products like positioners in the car seat?
A: Non-regulated products are those items you add to your car seat after your purchase. Examples include pillows, harness pads and seat protectors. These products have not been crash-tested by your car seat manufacturer and shouldn’t be used with your car seat. There is no way of knowing how they affect your car seat's performance in a crash. Only use items that are allowed by the original car seat manufacturer for use with its product.
Q: What is the shelf life of a car seat?
A: The shelf life is the expiration date of the car seat. Most manufacturers suggest you replace your seat 5-10 years after the date of manufacture. Each manufacturer sets their own expiration dates and these can be car seat model-specific. You can find the expiration date printed on the shell or on the same label as your car seat’s model number and manufacture date.
Q: What about my baby’s legs touching the seat-back while rear-facing?
A: Children are flexible and most children learn to cross their legs when their feet touch the vehicle seat back. There is no evidence that longer legs are at risk of injury riding rear-facing. Remember, we are protecting your babies’ neck and spinal cord by having him ride rear-facing.
Read a previous blog post about the complexities of legislating CPS best practice.