The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published new car seat safety guidelines as of August 30, 2018.  They have updated their recommendations to state that children should remain rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height (whichever they reach first) for their seat.  Previously the AAP recommended rear-facing until at least age 2, but with these new guidelines, many children can and should remain rear facing much longer.

You may be wondering – why is rear-facing important?  Infants and toddlers have heads of disproportionate weight to the rest of their body.  Rear-facing seats help to better cradle the head during a crash, therefore protecting the neck and spine from injury.  Neck and spine injuries are some of the most devastating and heart-breaking injuries we care for in the emergency department.

As Emergency Physicians, we are thrilled with these new recommendations.  Car accidents remain a major cause of death and disability for children under age 15 and this evidence-based policy recommendation guides parents in proper restraint use to protect their child. Please check your specific seat for the height and weight limits for rear-facing installation.