Keeping Your Child Safe: Is it Time for a Forward Facing Car Seat?

Many parents look forward to their child's first birthday. The big day is celebrated with cake, candles, presents, and the turning of the car seat. Many parents say that a forward facing car seat is more convenient and keeps their child happier in the car. But is it safe in a West Palm Beach car accident?

Craig Goldenfarb, an accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, warns that turning your child's car seat forward at age one may not be a good idea.

Last April, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) formally revised their recommendations to recommend that parents keep infants and young children in rear-facing car seats until at least the age of two. The new guidelines were based on research showing that children are 75% less likely to suffer severe injuries or death in a car accident when they are riding rear facing.
In May, the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health conducted a study to see if parents were complying with the new recommendations. The results of that study were released this week.

According to the researchers, 73 percent of parents turn their child's safety seat around before the child is two years old. Thirty percent don't even wait until the infant's first birthday.

Where do parents get their car seat information?

• 72% - car seat packaging
• 68% - doctor or nurse
• 57% - national groups, such as the AAP or NHTSA
• 52% - friends and family

Car seat packaging often reflects the minimum standards, and doctors, nurses, and family members may not be up-to-date on the latest recommendations.

Which car seat is right for your child? Read our article, "Florida Car Seat Law: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Child Safe."

To discuss your child's Florida accident injury claim with an accident lawyer in West Palm Beach, contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb at 888-348-2616.