The new guidelines, released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), were created through a better understanding of what keeps children safe in car accidents.
Former guidelines
- Under 1 Year: Rear-facing car seats
- Ages 1-4: Forward facing with a five point harness
- Ages 4-8: Booster seat
New Guidelines
- Under 1 Year: Rear-facing car seats
- Ages 1-3: Children should stay in rear facing car seats as long as possible. Once the weight and/or height limit is reached, the child should be placed in a forward-facing seat with a five point harness.
- Ages 4-7: Children should remain in the five point harness until the maximum weight or height has reached its limit. Once the limit is reached, the child should be placed in a belt-positioning booster seat.
- Ages 8-12: Children should not be placed in a regular seat until the seatbelt properly fits snuggly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. This will be possible when the child has reached approximately 4’9”.
- Up to age 13: Children should stay in the back seat until they are at least 13 years of age.
For more information regarding child safety in motor vehicles visit www.thesafetyreport.com
If you have been in an accident, call Davis & Gelshenen LLP at 1-866-427-2121 for a free initial consultation with one of our Experienced, Trusted, and Recommended Personal Injury Attorneys. Davis & Gelshenen LLP handles cases throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio, and will meet with you at your home to discuss your case.
