Car Seat Safety Tip
July 24, 2009 by Dan
Filed under One Person's View
By Michael K. Davis, MD
July 23, 2009
This 2004 photograph shows an infant who has been properly positioned, and buckled into a rear-facing car seat. For example, notice the harnesses are snug; the plastic harness clip is positioned at armpit level in order to hold the shoulder straps in place; the straps are lying flat; the baby is dressed in clothes that allow the strap to go between the legs; and the child is not slouching down, or to the side.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age, and weigh at least 20 pounds. Never place rear-facing seats in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag. The different types of acceptable rear-facing seats include infant-only, and convertible seats. Convertible seats are bigger than infant-only seats, and can be used as forward-facing seats for cases involving larger children. The AAP advises that choosing seats with additional harness slots will allow you to accommodate how you secure your child as he/she grows within the limits of the same seat, thereby, allowing it to be used longer.
CDC/ American Academy of Pediatrics. Annemarie Poyo. 2004. Used with permission.
Source: Dr. Tummy
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