Rear Facing Until 2: Is it True?
A rumor has been circulating on the blogosphere that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children rear-facing until age 2. The rumor is not true. The AAP still officially recommends keeping kids rear-facing until 1 year AND at least 20 lbs.
However, the AAP did publish an informational article that discussed the benefits of keeping children rear-facing until age 2. In it, the AAP cited data that show keeping kids rear-facing until two is five times safer than moving them to the forward facing position at 1 year. In short, the AAP applauds parents who keep their children rear-facing longer, but does not consider rear-facing until 2 essential to car seat safety.
Many parents worry that keeping their quickly growing toddlers rear-facing causes leg injuries. However, this is merely perception; indeed, the rate of leg injury is quite low. Parents also prefer to have their child forward-facing so that they can keep an eye on their precious passenger. Considering the safety benefits of rear-facing car seat use might allay some of this anxiety.
EliteCarSeats.com always recommends keeping children in each stage of car seat as long as possible. This means keeping a child rear-facing until the seat's height and weight limits allow – even if this goes beyond 2 years. Indeed, many European parents keep kids rear-facing until age 4!
If you want to explore car seat options that allow kids to remain rear-facing until 2 and beyond, check out our favorites:
- The First Years True Fit: Rear-facing until 35 lbs and with a harness weight limit of 65 lbs, the True Fit keeps kids safer, longer.
- Sunshine Kids Radian 80: With a rear-facing weight limit of 35 lbs and a forward-facing harness weight limit of 80 lbs, the Radian 80 earns high marks for above-and-beyond safety.
- Britax Roundabout 50: The Roundabout 50 accommodates passengers rear-facing up to 35 lbs and forward-facing up to 50 lbs and all with trusted Britax safety.
As of now, the AAP still recommends keeping children rear-facing until 1 year and at least 20 lbs. However, data do indicate that rear-facing longer contributes to fewer injuries. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and how best to protect your child.
Get More Information on Rear-Facing Safety:
