Keeping Toddlers Rear Facing Until Age 2

New Recommendations from the AAP about Car Seat Safety

Jun 2, 2009

The AAP recommends keeping toddlers in a rear facing car seat as long as possible, or at least until age 2.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently changed their recommendation for keeping your toddler’s car seat rear facing. Most parents are familiar with the previous recommendation that an infant should be 12 months old and at least 20 pounds before riding in a car in a forward facing car seat, but many are unaware that the current recommendation has been changed to age 2.

Why Toddlers are Safer in Rear Facing Car Seats

It is not uncommon to hear parents complain that it is unnecessary and annoying to keep their infant in a rear facing car seat beyond 12 months of age. Some parents even turn their infant’s car seat around before the crucial 12 month marker because it is more convenient, or their infant enjoys being forward facing. The problem with these arguments is they put personal convenience over the safety of the child. No parents would allow their toddler to play in the middle of the street simply because he enjoyed it. Proper car seat safety is vital to keeping toddlers safe in the event of a car accident and very well could be a matter of life or death.

The American Academy of Pediatrics states, “Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2.” New research has proven that toddlers are 5 times safer riding in a rear facing car seat until age 2. That is a dramatic increase in safety and a study that no parent should ignore.

What if You Already Turned your Infant's Car Seat Around?

Turn it back. Infants are far more adaptable than parents give them credit for. Most infants have no problem transitioning back to a rear facing car seat after they have been riding in a forward facing car seat. If your infant resists the change, try adding some distractions such as a small safety mirror strapped to the headrest in the car or a few new toys set aside only for car rides.

What if Your Infant Has Outgrown the Infant Car Seat?

Infants who have outgrown the weight and height requirements for an infant car seat can be placed in a convertible car seat in the rear facing position. Most convertible car seats have the benefit of a high enough weight limit that many children can remain in them (and receive the benefit of a 5 point harness) until it is safe enough for them to ride in a booster seat.

Keeping your toddler in a rear facing car seat until age 2 is a very small price to pay for peace of mind. Proper use of a car seat may save your toddler’s life one day and is something that should be taken very seriously. If you are unsure whether your car seat is installed correctly, most cities offer free car seat safety checks at the local fire station or health department.

The copyright of the article Keeping Toddlers Rear Facing Until Age 2 in Infant & Toddler Health is owned by Rachel Lister. Permission to republish Keeping Toddlers Rear Facing Until Age 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.