The Parents Zone

Don’t rush to turn your toddler around in her car seat.

A leading group of pediatricians is advising parents to stick with rear-facing car seats until their children turn 2, or the kids exceed the limits for weight and height in the seats. Older kids should stay in booster seats until they turn 8, or are 4 feet 9 inches tall, so seat belts are in the proper position to protect them.

An older recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics from 2002 had been less emphatic, saying kids should ride facing backward until they turned 1 or hit 20 pounds. So many parents, eager to get on with easier-to-use seats, are quick to get their kids looking out the front windshield as soon as possible. And the kids I know seem happier not staring at upholstery, for that matter.

That’s not the best bet for safety.

The pediatricians note that auto accidents are the leading cause of death for kids older than 3, causing more than 5,000 deaths in children and young people under the age of 21 each year.

Proper use of child seats can help a lot. The pediatricians cite research that suggest safety seats can reduce the risk of injury 71 percent to 82 percent. The seats can reduce the risk of death by 28 percent compared with kids wearing seat belts alone.

More: Your Health

Your Health Podcast: Radiation Risks And Surgery For Sleep

Early Radiation Data From Near Plant Ease Health Fears

Risky Raccoon Roundworms Found In Pet Kinkajous

More: Your Health

• Your Health Podcast: Radiation Risks And Surgery For Sleep
• Early Radiation Data From Near Plant Ease Health Fears

• Children’s Health

Similar Posts:

• Breast-feeding can lower risk of SIDS
• Nearly 10,000 Kids A Year Injured In Cribs, Bassinets And Playpens
• Stop using infant sleep positioners, government warns
• Children Who Stay Up Late on Weekends More Likely to be Obese
• Graco Recalls 2 Million Strollers After 4 Infant Deaths