Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines about kids in rear-facing car seats. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital explains the changes.
True or False: Only babies should be rear facing
False! The American Academy of Pediatrics has said for the past few years that children should remain facing backward at least until 2 years old. The new guidelines change the recommendation to “as long as possible” until the child outgrows his or her convertible car seat and changes to a booster seat. The new recommendation means that some kids should be riding backward facing beyond 2 years old.
True or False: Children are safer rear facing
True! Because kids have big heads proportional to their body, they are at higher risk for neck and spine injuries when forward facing during a crash. In Europe, they’ve been keeping kids backward facing much longer than we have in the United States. Death or serious injury to children in accidents is rare in Europe when compared to the United States.
True or False: Kids’ legs are too long to be seated facing backward in the car after age 1
False! This is the most common concern I hear from parents. We all know kids are flexible. Most toddlers have no problem putting their own feet in their mouth. Children can bend their legs easily and find a comfortable position. Sitting rear facing will not hurt a child’s growth or cause joint pain.
True or False: School-age children should be in a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet, 9 inches.
True! Most people are unaware that school-age children need to be restrained in a booster seat until they are 4 feet, 9 inches. This might mean that kids as old as 12 might still need a booster seat. These seats help position the seatbelt properly. Kids younger than 13 should also always ride in the backseat of the car.
Visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org/carseats to find more information on car seat classes and car seat checks.
This information was shared on WTVT-TV’s Doc on Call segment, which is aimed at helping parents learn more about children’s health issues. The segment airs each Monday morning on Good Day Tampa Bay.
Related Articles
Posted on Mar 08, 2022 in General News
Allergies and viral symptoms can be similar to COVID-19, which may cause concern for parents when their child develops sniffles. However, before assuming the symptoms are based on allergies, it’s strongly encouraged to speak with your child’s pediatrician. Learn more about some things to discuss with your child’s pediatrician so they can determine when COVID-19 testing is needed.
Posted on Nov 29, 2021 in General News
Sore throats in children are common, and parents may worry about strep throat. But more sore throats are caused by viruses or even post-nasal drip from allergies. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Clinics, explains the difference between a sore throat and strep.
Posted on Sep 20, 2021 in General News
Many children get nosebleeds, and may even get them frequently, especially younger children. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., talks about what can cause them and what to do when your child has a nosebleed.
More Articles
Posted on Jul 06, 2022 in General News
A car can heat up very fast, meaning as much as 20 degrees in 10 minutes. SafeKids supervisor Petra Stanton provides tips for parents on making sure children aren’t left in the car.
Posted on Jul 05, 2022 in General News
In Logan’s first precious months of life, he looked different from other babies. He was diagnosed with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. Among the most common birth defects in the United States, cleft lip and palate can affect feeding, hearing, speech and dental development.
Posted on Jun 30, 2022 in General News
Allison Messina, M.D., chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at Johns Hopkins All Children’s, explains what families should know about the COVID-19 vaccine and other recent updates about the virus.