Back in the day, car seat was always behind the driver. This was largely due to the fact that car seats were designed to protect the driver in a frontal collision. However, as our world has evolved and we’ve seen more and more accidents happen from side collisions, it may be time to reconsider this policy. The problem with putting a car seat behind the driver is that it can block the front-seat passenger from reaching over and getting out if there’s an emergency. And while this may seem like a small inconvenience, it could mean the difference between life and death in a serious accident. Now is the time to rethink our policy on car seats and see where things stand today. It’s time to put the safety of everyone in the car first and make sure everyone has access to exit no matter what.
The Pros and Cons of Car Seat Locations
Front Seat
The pros and cons of car seat locations for infants and toddlers can be summarized as follows:
-The front seat is the safest place to put a child during a car ride, according to the NHTSA. This is because a frontal impact is the most severe type of collision and the highest percentage of fatalities occur in frontal crashes. In fact, NHTSA data shows that rear-facing child seats are only about 18% effective in preventing death in a crash, compared to 36% for forward-facing seats.
-However, placing an infant or toddler in the front seat means that they are more likely to be bumped around by other passengers and could also obstruct the view of the driver. Additionally, if there is an accident and the front passenger’s seatbelt prevents them from being ejected from the car, the infant or toddler may be trapped between them and the dashboard.
-Some parents choose to place their child in the front seat anyway because they believe it’s better for his or her development overall. One study found that children who sit in the front during their first few years of life are more likely to have stronger language skills than those who sit in the backseat.
Rear-Facing vs. Front-Facing Car Seats
Rear-facing car seats are typically recommended for infants and toddlers rear-facing until they reach a weight of at least 20 pounds, or about 10 to 12 years old. A car seat should be forward-facing when a child reaches at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, or the height of the vehicle’s seat belt anchor point.
There are pros and cons to both rear-facing and forward-facing car seats. Rear-facing seats protect children from head and spinal cord injuries in a crash, but they can also cause spinal cord compression if the child’s head is forced too far back against the spine. Forward-facing seats offer more protection against injury in a crash, but may not be as comfortable for long trips. Some children may also become agitated or restless in a forward-faced seat.
The Importance of an Appropriate Weight Limit for Your Child
When it comes to car seats, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children not ride in a car seat that is larger than the child’s height and weight. Children who are less than 1 year old should not ride in a car seat that is more than 2 inches wide. For children between 1 and 2 years old, the AAP recommends using a car seat that is at least 2 inches wide but no wider than 4 inches. After 2 years old, use a car seat that is at least 4 inches wide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also has specific guidelines for choosing the right weight and height for car seats. If your child weighs less than 40 pounds or is less than 30 inches tall, choose a convertible seat or booster seat. These seats fit most kids up to 65 pounds or 39 inch tall. If your child weighs 40 pounds or more or is 30 inch or taller, choose an adult-sized car seat.
How to Change a Car Seat
If you’re like most parents, you probably assume that the safest place for your child in a car is behind the driver. But is this really the case? A recent study by The Huffington Post reveals that children are more likely to be injured if they sit in the front passenger seat rather than the back.
The reason for this is simple: In frontal collisions, the front passenger is much closer to the steering wheel and dashboard than the backseat passengers. This means that when a crash happens, there’s a greater chance that he or she will be thrown forward and into objects inside of the car. In fact, according to The Huffington Post study, almost half of all child injuries in car crashes occur in frontal collisions, even though only one-third of all car trips involve passengers in frontal collisions.
So what should you do if your child insists on sitting in the front seat? The best advice is to talk with them about why it’s important to sit in a safe place and let them make their own decisions based on what they know. If they still refuse to sit in a safer spot, you can try convincing them to buckle up by saying something like “Remember how we talked about being safe when we were driving? Well now it’s time for us to put our safety practices into action.”
When to Use a Baby-Sitter
When to Use a Baby-Sitter
Car seat should always be installed behind the driver or passenger in the vehicle for optimal protection for your child. The ideal spot is 4th row from the back, but this depends on the make and model of your car.