American Academy of Pediatrics recommends changes for child passenger safety based on age and weight

Monroe - Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its recommendation on car seats. According to a press release from the Monroe Village Police Department, there are two major changes to the policy. Specifically, the recommendations changed the age and weight-based guidelines and advocates that parents keep their children in each type of car seat for as long as possible before moving them up to the next type of seat. Children under two The first major change relates to children under the age of two. The new recommendation suggests that children remain rear facing until the age of two or until they reach the maximum height or weight limit of the car seat they are using. Each car seat manufactured has a rear facing height and weight limit and they typically range from 20 to 40 pounds. Convertible car seats, which can be used rear facing and forward facing, usually have a separate height and weight limit for when the seat is used in the forward facing position. Booster seats The second major change relates to the use of booster seats. The new recommendations state that children should remain in a booster seat until they are 4’9” and are between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. In assessing whether or not a child can use a seat belt without a booster, parents should follow the 5 step test: Does the lap belt lie across the upper thighs, not the stomach? Does the shoulder belt lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not across the neck or face? Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over the front edge of the vehicle seat? Does the child sit all the way back against the vehicle seat? Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip? If a parent can answer yes to all five questions, the child can safely use a seat belt without a booster. If they answer no to any of the five questions, they should remain in a booster seat. Parents are also reminded that children should ride in the rear of a vehicle until they are 13 years old. Check that seat Any resident or business owner in the Village of Monroe may contact the Monroe Police Department at 782-8644 and schedule an appointment to have a car seat or booster seat installed by officers with specific training in this field.