Did you know that in the US it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that children be placed rear-facing in their car seats until at least age 2? This recommendation was based on a study that found that children under 2 are 75% less likely to have a severe or fatal injury during a crash if rear facing. I have long believed in extended rear-facing and placed my children in higher weight limit rear facing seats much longer than any of my friends. I have often received questioning looks or questions and even my husband doesn’t quite understand but I know how important it is to keep my children safe. For me, the same goes with extended harnessing rather than switching over to a booster at the very bare minimum height and weight requirements.
Rear Facing Car Seats is a great website packed with information, facts, and the latest news to help you navigate the sometimes confusing information out there about car seat safety. Check out this informative infographic that presents some of the facts really well!
Some of the facts presents above are so fascinating to me! It is interesting to see that many experts around the world recommend that children be rear facing up until age 4. I also was surprised to read that driving at just 32 MPH, a collision with your child in a forward facing car seat can put pressure equal to the weight of 3 grown men all focused on the child’s neck.
How long did you place your children in rear facing car seats?
Disclosure: This post, images and the information above is brought to you by our friends at Rear Facing Car Seats.
Laura Waltz
Tuesday 14th of August 2012
Our first we changed around sometimes after he was one, but before two. Â Then they recommended 2 years of age and for our second we did it as long as possible, but with our new car to have his seat rear facing I didn't have enough leg room to drive safely. Â With a bigger car it was working though. Â Now he's over 2, but I still think it's a great idea to keep them rear facing as long as possible. Â As it is we still have our 4 year old in a 5 point harness just because I think it's safer than the shoulder belts at his age.
Eileen
Thursday 2nd of August 2012
OH my gosh, I had NO idea! Â THAT much pressure on a tiny one's neck? I am a mom of 6 and heck, I guess 12 years ago I just went with the average recommendations and turned the kids around at about age 1, based on over 20 or 25 lbs. The seats take up so much more room facing rear and have to put our seats ALL the way forward to put them in...very scrunched...but after reading this we will GLADLY scrunch for those precious little ones we have now. thank you!
[email protected]
Thelangloisfamily
Wednesday 1st of August 2012
My 37 month old is still rear facing. Her seat RF to 45 lbs. When I was looking for a new seat for her back when she was 7 months old I came across videos and info about FF and internal decapitation. Well that was enough or me to decide to RF her to at least 4yrs old. I went searching for a seat with the highest RF weight limit.
Jo-Ann Brightman
Monday 30th of July 2012
I too believe in placing children in rear facing seats- but this is a relatively new practice for the USA and I hope parents will extend the time for this practice
Karen Glatt
Monday 30th of July 2012
I am telling my sister this because she is having a baby next month and I want her to know this important information! It is so much safer to have a baby in their car seat with them in  a rear facing position!