Child seat requirements change with 2014 rule
If you think mandates for child-safety seats are constantly revised, you're right - and now they're changing again. Don't panic! The child seats are as safe as ever. It's the way that we install them, that is the focus of new findings. A new rule that goes into effect in 2014 will require car-seat makers to warn parents not to use the Latch anchor system to install a car seat if the combined weight of the child and the seat is 65 pounds or higher.
Vehicles have been required to have Latch anchors since 2001, but child-safety seat advocates say the strength of the anchors can't be guaranteed, raising a safety issue if Latch were to fail in a crash. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers also want the rule changed because the Latch anchor's strength limits don't take into account the weight of the child seat, which typically weighs 15 to 33 pounds. Child safety advocates, however, want the minimum strength requirements of the anchors to be increased. "While Latch makes it easier to properly install car seats in vehicles, it's important for parents and caregivers to know that securing a child seat with a seat belt is equally as safe - and that they have the flexibility to use either system," Transportation Department spokeswoman Lynda Tran told USA Today.
Child seats typically weigh 15 to 33 pounds. So the new rule means some children as light as 32 pounds might not be able to use a system designed to make child seats easier to install and, therefore, safer. This child-seat system is known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children use car seats with harnesses through age 8. AAP's recommendation and supporting research led child-seat makers to design more seats for children 65 pounds and over.
So much information that is always changing when it comes to our child's safety! We thought you should be informed to help keep your child happy and safe! If you have more questions, please consult a child car seat expert.
Here our two of our favorites: Wee Plan Baby Planners : Annie Mullens. Colorado Children"s Automobile Safety Foundation: Bill the car seat guy.
| Changes to LATCH |
