New Advice on Car Safety Seats

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration are now recommending that kids stay in rear-facing car seats until age 2.  Studies have shown toddlers are better protected against spinal injuries in crashes if they're travelling backwards.  The report also recommends kids use booster seats until they're at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

These recommendations would seem to present two problems for parents.  One, some kids are getting rather lanky by the time they hit two years of age; a child may not have much room for their legs if they're facing the rear of the seat.  Plus, some kids may not grow to 4'9" until age 12.  That's less of a physical problem and more of a social problem.  What middle schooler wants to be seen riding in a booster seat?  

Meanwhile, Drive Safe Hampton Roads recently completed its 22nd Annual Car Seat Round-Up.  700 old, discarded, or hand-me-down safety seats were turned in so they won't be a safety hazard for other kids.  They used to make a big production out of crushing the old seats, but this year, the seats were recycled by Tidewater Fiber Corporation.  Well done, Hampton Roads.