[FernG]

I'm sure you all know where this is going. At DD's 12-month WBV the dr told me to turn her carseat FF even though I explained that DD's carseat RFes until 35lbs.

I let it go at that point b/c I had bigger issues to discuss and DD was having a meltdown. Now it's bothering me that the Dr. is giving this spiel to parents who know less about carseat safety. This office has abstracts of studies printed and posted all over the office. Does anyone have the link to the actual studies showing that toddlers are safer RF? Or a reference? I can get a copy of the study from the library.

 

[grumpybear]

Here's the recent AAP news release re: rear-facing,

Keep your toddler in a rear-facing car seat until age 2 (not 1)

Quote:

Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2.

 

[luv-my-boys]

I think part of the confusion is that things can vary widely depending on manuf and even amongst models. For instance have 2 car seats by the same manuf. the only difference is the model # although they are both exactly the same just different print. One has a warning not to use RF over X lbs. while the other clearly states can be used RF well past the warning limit on the other.

I think that you need to see the specific information on YOUR carseat and your child (height/weight) and then take the AAP recommendation as well.

 

[Mommybree]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv-my-boys I think part of the confusion is that things can vary widely depending on manuf and even amongst models. For instance have 2 car seats by the same manuf. the only difference is the model # although they are both exactly the same just different print. One has a warning not to use RF over X lbs. while the other clearly states can be used RF well past the warning limit on the other. I think that you need to see the specific information on YOUR carseat and your child (height/weight) and then take the AAP recommendation as well.

If you are thinking about the warning that says something like "can only be used rear-facing under 20 pounds" that doesn't mean you can't use it until 30-35 pounds or whatever the real limit of the seat it. It just means you HAVE to use it RF for under 20 pounds, that is, that you can't use it forward facing under 20 pounds. It's very bizarrely worded, and I think it can be found on a lot (all?) of RF seats. At first glance, it makes it sound like you have to stop RF at 20 pounds, but that's not what it means.

 

[jeminijad]

I really don't understand why everyone is in SUCH a hurry to turn their kids.

Generally, you can follow the $$ to determine why things are awry in this country... but people already have carseats that can RF past 20 lbs, they just turn them early... no one stands to lose any money. Why on earth wouldn't the AAP/govt entities want to take such a simple step to protect so many 1 - 3 year olds? I just don't get it...

 

[paquerette]

I think the big fear is that people will completely disregard them if they ask them to do "too much." People want to turn their kids ASAP as a big milestone or because they think they're miserable or whatever. I think the powers that be do not want to risk turning them off altogether by jumping right from no carseat laws at all to must rf for 3 years or whatever in too short of a timespan. You kind of have to boil the frog slowly, even if it's good for the frog to be boiled... eh, maybe that analogy doesn't work so well here.

 

[an_aurora]

Yeah but the AAP has been recommending ERF for the past 8 years...talk about boiling the frog with a candle...

 

[FernG]

Thanks for the link grumpybear. I'm still looking for the actual study the AAP is referring to.

 

[an_aurora]

Link

Direct link to the PDF

You should be able to access that, but if you can't let me know. The article is from a 2008 Pediatrics journal.

Here's the abstract:

Quote:

The authors comment on the use of rear-facing car safety seats. Children should be restrained based on their age and size. Proper use of care safety as well as seat belts is significant to child safety. A study found that infants under 2 years strapped on rear-facing care safety seats are less likely to get injured or die after a crash.