New Car Seat Guidelines

New car seat guidelines were announced by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The new guidelines are: rear-facing until the age of 2, using a booster seat until 4 feet 9 inches (ranging in age from 8-12), and children should ride in the backseat until age 13.

For some, these are big changes.  Because of Hubby's job, we were aware 2 years ago of the push being made to change the guidelines for infants from forward facing from 1 year and 20 pounds to 2 years and 30 pounds.  After doing much research, we did what we felt was right for our family.  C has always been small, so we felt more comfortable with his rear facing until age 2 (he just now 30 pounds, and he could still be rear facing in his current seat).  This is what was right for OUR family at the time, we will keep N rear facing until at least age 2, maybe longer (I do sometimes feel that C should still be rear facing.)

I'm going to share some resources we found helpful in our research in hopes of helping others making this decision now.  While all of the resources are pro-extended rear facing, I am not judging anyone who decides that it is not for them and their family.  If anyone has any resources they would like to share, please do, but please be respectful.

Here is an article about the announcement.

An article about the reasoning behind extended rear facing.

A newer article with helpful hints when rear facing and choosing car seats.

There are also videos on YouTube, but I won't post any because I find many them very upsetting.

A useful site by NHTSA when looking for a new seat. It rates the ease of use on many car seats.

There are many, many other useful sites, these are just a few that I find helpful.

Good luck with your decision!

C at 1 year 8 months.

The last time C rear faced at age 2.