You are talking with a family of a 30-month-old during a well child checkup. You have assessed the child’s growth and development and are discussing important anticipatory guidance with the family before completing the visit. They have a question about when they should transition their child from a rear facing to a forward-facing car seat. Some of their friends and family members have already transitioned their children and are unsure if they should also. Your best recommendation is to tell them:
EXPLANATION
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2018 policy statement, All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing [child safety seat] CSS as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their CSS’s manufacturer. When children using rear-facing-only seats reach the highest weight for their seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat for as long as possible. Most currently available convertible seats can be used rear facing to at least 40 lb.
REFERENCES
Durbin DR, Hoffman BD, AAP Council on Injury Violence and Poison Prevention. Child passenger safety. Pediatrics. 2018; 142(5): e20182460 doi: 10.1542/peds.2018-2460 Accessed September 13, 2020. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/5/e20182460/38530/Child-Passenger-Safety
