Safety in the car is a going concern for parents. But the question of when to turn rear-facing car seats around has created some confusion. The popular knowledge is that children should be 22 lbs, one year old and walking. But the guidelines are changing. It is now being recommended that parents let their toddlers sit in rear-facing car seats for a longer period. Most rear-facing seats are built to hold toddlers much larger than the average one-year-old. It is now being recommended that parents continue using the rear facings seats until their toddlers have reached the maximum size, even as old as 2 years, (ensuring the child's head does not go over the back of the seat).

The reason for the new guidelines? The latest research clearly shows children are safer when riding in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. According to a news piece on CBC Radio (from reporter Bridget Forbes), when a child is in a rear-facing seat, the back of the seat disperses any impact evenly across the child's back, and the head is prevented from thrusting forward. When a child is seated facing front, the only thing preventing him/her from being thrust forward is the harness straps - there is no prevention for the head.

It makes sense, but the new guidelines have not been widely circulated. So spread the word to your networks, because this is paramount to the safety of our kids.

And remember: When you do make the switch, take your car to your local fire station to have one of our men/women in red inspect for proper seat installation (they will not install seats for you).

Happy Trails!

Camielle Lang