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During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
Middle Years (7-12)
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Don’t throw out the booster seat quite yet Graduating out of the booster seat may seem like a rite of passage for many young children, especially if their friends do it first. In fact, the few months between my son’s birthday and his car pool buddy’s birthday were torture as the friend cheerfully announced every day that he didn’t need to ride in a booster seat any more. (At least in his car.) But even though it may seem easier not to endure a child’s complaints or lug around the loathed booster anymore, you may actually be doing your child a disservice to get rid of it when they turn 6. In fact, many safety experts are urging parents to keep this simple safety precaution in use well into the middle years. And the facts back them up. Nearly one-third of all car crashes involve kids between the ages of 8 and 12, according to Partners for Child Passenger Safety, (PCPS.) In an ongoing study conducted by PCPS, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance, accident rates revealed that kids in that age group had a much higher risk of injury than children under age 7, with head injuries occurring in more than half of the accidents reported. In 2004, more than 80 children between ages 7 and 12 were treated in Orange County and Riverside County hospitals for injuries sustained in car accidents. “The law of 6 years or 60 pounds is a minimum standard,” explains Erin Hoch, Injury Prevention and Safe Kids Orange County coordinator. “The second part of the law says that kids have to fit into their seat belt properly. Many children should be in boosters until they’re 10 or 11.” Hock offers a checklist of five simple questions that parents should ask themselves if they’re considering moving their child out of a booster seat. In fact, she says that when she took the test herself with her own 10-year-old in their Chevy Tahoe, it was clear that he was not ready to move out of his own booster. “It doesn’t matter how tall he is, or what he weighs, it’s all about how he fits into the seat belt,” she says. Inexpensive booster seats are readily available at most major retailers for about $20 and some now accommodate children up to 100 pounds. It’s OK to use a hand-me-down booster, but experts suggest not using one that’s more than five years old. California state law requires that children remain in the back seat and in booster seats until they are age 6 or 60 pounds. However, a new bill in the state Assembly aims to raise the booster seat age to 8 years old or a 4-foot 9-inch height requirement, as well as requiring all children under age 13 to sit in the back seat. (The American Academy of Pediatrics already promotes a similar standard.) Facts supporting the bill are compelling too. According to a recent study commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the injury rate is more than 40% lower for children seated in the back. Another key reason for preteens to ride in the back seat is air bags. These safety devices are designed for average-sized adults and if a child is sitting in the front seat when one erupts, they’re more likely to be hit in the face, rather than the chest range the bag is targeted to hit. And if a child happens to be leaning forward, or against the side of the car when impact occurs, the bag can cause serious injuries rather than prevent them. Even if you’ve already given up the booster seat, or allowed your children to sit in the front seat, it’s not too late to change your mind about your family’s car policy. It’s one of the benefits of being the parent. Michele Piazzoni is a regular contributor. |
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