Game Changers in Pediatrics 2011

Laurie Scudder, DNP, PNP

November 23, 2011

The Latest Word on Car Safety

This year, AAP issued new recommendations for child passenger safety. The message is that children should remain rear facing for as long as the height and weight limit of that seat allow. Once forward facing, children should not transition to a booster seat until they have completely outgrown the height or weight limit of that forward-facing car seat. And that final step shouldn't be rushed either. Older kids should remain in booster seats until 4'9" tall -- which for most children means sometime between 8-12 years of age.

Other key points:

AAP has published an algorithm to help families figure out, based on a child's age, height, and weight, the right restraint for the child.
There is no change to the backseat recommendation. Children should stay in the back until age 13 years.

Why Is This a Game Changer?

Anything that keeps children more safe must change our game. Flaura Koplin-Winston, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Co-Director, Center for Injury Research and Prevention, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia discussed the reasons behind the change and provided practical information on how to relay this information to families and answer their questions.

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Cite this: Laurie E. Scudder. Game Changers in Pediatrics 2011 - Medscape - Nov 23, 2011.

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