New policy on child passenger safety

On March 21, 2011 The American Academy of Pediatrics released a new policy statement on child passenger safety. The new guidelines cover a child from birth through adolescence.

New guidelines:

• Up to the age of 2 years a child should be in a rear facing car safety seat.
• For most children through 4 years of age a forward car safety seat are preferred.
• Up to the age of 8 years a belt positioning is booster seat is necessary and lap/shoulder seatbelts for all that have out grown booster seats.
• Any child younger than the age of 13 should ride in the rear seat of any vehicle.

Currently, MA law still states all children need to be in an age and height appropriate car seat until age 8 and under 57 inches. However, being prepared is half the battle in preventing all injuries.

To learn more go to The American Academy of Pediatrics at WWW.AAP.ORG

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