Thanks to Chicco for sponsoring this post during Child Passenger Safety Week.
Do you know when it’s time to turn your child’s car seat from rear to forward-facing? According to a recent study by baby gear brand Chicco, 1 in 4 parents around the country are still unaware of the appropriate time to turn their child’s car seat forward-facing. Being pregnant again, 9 years after my last child was born, means that I need a refresher on all the rules of car seat safety myself!
Some states, like my home state of Illinois, have passed laws requiring children to remain rear-facing until at least the age of two but the AAP recently released an updated recommendation around rear-facing guidelines, removing age two as the benchmark and emphasizing that children should remain rear-facing until they’ve maxed out the height and weight limits for rear-facing use as determined by the car seat manufacturer. According to the AAP, this “will include virtually all children under 2 years of age and most children up to age 4.” It is so important to keep little ones rear-facing for as long as possible because it’s the safest option for growing children whose skeletal systems are still developing.
There are many more car seat options on the market now than when my boys were younger that allow for extended rear-facing placement and Chicco makes some great convertible car seats for this purpose. I was particularly drawn to the NextFit iX Zip Convertible Car Seat that was designed to be used from birth through the preschool years. Not only was it designed to comfortably accommodate growing children from 5 to 65 pounds but it also features a zip-off seat pad for machine washing (which every parent of young kids knows will come in handy for everything from milk spills to potty training accidents!)
I also liked how easy installation was thanks to the 9-position ReclineSure® leveling system and dual RideRight® bubble level-indicators that help achieve and verify proper angle in the vehicle seat, the SuperCinch® tightener that helps achieve a secure fit with a fraction of the effort, and a LockSure™ belt-tightening system that makes it easy to position, tighten and lock the belt into place. Parents can also feel comfortable knowing that the car seat features a steel-reinforced frame with EPS energy-absorbing foam that is side-impact tested for superior protection.
Overall, Chicco’s line of convertible car seats makes it easier to keep children rear-facing for longer!
*****
Still have questions about rear-facing car seats? You can learn more about car seat safety here. National Seat Check Saturday is this coming Saturday, September 29, 2018, so make sure to find a car seat checkup event in your area this weekend! (Get a list of car seat check locations here.) I encourage you to share this post with any parents of young children you know!
PIN THIS POST:
