As Noah gets closer to turning two, I have started pondering the idea switching his carseat to forward facing after his second birthday. Then I am reminded about the baffling statistics that a toddler who is rear facing is FIVE times safer in an car accident, since the carseat absorbs the impact of the crash. The seat helps to distribute the force of the crash over the entire body which helps protect the head, neck, and back of your child. A child who is forward facing in a car accident will experience an abrupt jolt of their head, putting stress on their tiny and fragile neck and spine.
The National Safety and Highway Association is now recommended children be kept in the rear facing position until they are two years old and thirty pounds. What some parents may miss is that extended rear facing is only safer if your child is in a car seat that can accomodate these new recommendations. A toddler should not remain in their infant seat. The appropriate car seat for extended rear facing is a convertible car seat. There are many convertible car seats that will allow for rear facing and then later forward facing. Really the options can be overwhelming! The easiest way to remember what is the safest way for your child to ride is…
Safe Extended Rear Facing =
2 years old + until 30 pounds + correct car seat + proper car seat installation
Noah is still snug and comfortable in his Graco Snugride Click Connect and has plenty of room for growth. At this point, I will probably keep Noah in his current car seat and buy a second Click Connect for the baby. It just seems like the rational choice when it comes to car seat options for my kids at this time.
When baby number three is born I will be sporting a packed SUV with three car seats. It will be a tight squeeze with baby on board, but I honestly can’t wait! I may even have to purchase a baby on board sign.
Did you know that 21st Century Insurance is sponsoring a fantastic giveaway to give the Baby on Board sign a makeover? Every week, starting January 25, 2012 and ending March 15, 2013, 21st Century will be giving away a car seat for your infant or toddler – winners can choose their preference. The winner will be selected based on their most creative Baby On Board sign. Additionally, all entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a $10,000 baby room makeover.
To submit your entry email a photo to contest@21st.com, of your Baby on Board sign with 50 words or less describing how you created it and then submit this form. All entries must be received by March 15, 2013 11:59PM EST. Visit the 21st Century Insurance Baby on Board page for full giveaway rules and information.
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This post was sponsored by 21st Century Insurance; however, all opinions reflected are my own.
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thanks for the great info!
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