A Head’s up, parents of toddlers and kids! There are car seat recommendation changes in 2014. Starting
in 2014, the new recommendation states that the LATCH system should no
longer be used when the child and car seat combined weight is over
65lbs.
This
is an amendment to the law instated in 2001 that recommends that all
children up to 65lbs remain in car seats/boosters, but that did not take
into account the weight of car seats. Car manufacturers cannot
guarantee the strength of the anchors when adding the additional weight
of the seat, thus the need to modify the law.
How
can you be sure you’re meeting these guidelines? Weigh your child, then
weight the seat, then add them together. If they’re over 65lbs
combined, start using the seat belt restraint versus the LATCH system.
The
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in
harness (including 5 point harness or booster with seatbelt) until the
age of 8, which prompted car seat manufacturers to design car seats
meant for higher weights. Car seat laws vary state-by-state and your
specific state requirements for car seats can be found here. Personally,
I make sure that I follow North Carolina law and AAP recommendations.
What
can you do to ensure your children are being buckled in properly? Have
your seat installation inspected at your local NHTSA office.
Courtesy of Fm.92.1
