The American Academy of Pediatrics has released an updated list of available, recommended car seats and booster seats (with current pricing!) for 2021. Check out the updated link by visiting:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-Seats-Product-Listing.aspx

All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer – usually, until 2 years. Most convertible seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear facing for 2 years or more. Make sure the straps are tight -- there shouldn't be any slack-- and that the upper harness fastener is positioned on the chest. Remove thick coats or sweaters before strapping your child in, as the bulk may cause the straps to seem tighter than they actually are.

Children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their convertible seat should use a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. Many seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more. All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.

Ask your pediatrician if you are unsure if your child meets the requirements to graduate from a booster seat.

At Carolina Kids Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC, all our pediatricians can provide you with updated guidance on vehicle safety for kids of all ages. However, there are also a number of locations around the Triangle where experts will inspect the installation of your child’s car seat for free. To find a location near you, check out: https://www.buckleupnc.org/locations/

Please feel free to contact Carolina Kids Pediatrics in Raleigh, NC, at 919-881-9009 or send us a message on the patient portal if you have any questions or concerns about car seat safety.

Dr. Nechyba
Carolina Kids Pediatrics
Raleigh, NC