Don't be a Punk. Face the trunk!

Did you know?

*A child does not need to be turned forward facing in a car seat at one year old, and in fact, is much safer rear facing for as long as the car seat allows?

*The AAP recommends rear facing to the upper limits of the child's car seat (generally 35-40lbs) as long as their head is below the shell of the car seat?

*A rear facing child between the ages of 1-2 is 5 times less likely to be severely injured in a motor vehicle accident?

*A forward facing child between the ages of 1-2 is at serious risk for head and neck injuries, including internal decapitation (yes, it's as horrble as it sounds)?

*Most convertible car seats on the maket can keep children rear facing to at least 2 years old, and some up to 3-4 years of age?

*Leg injuries are far more common in forward facing children and a child's feet or legs touching the backseat in a rear facing car seat is not a safety concern?

*A rear facing car seat absorbs most of the forces of a crash while cradling the child, whereas the body of a child in a forward facing seat would absorb crash forces, placing significant strain on the neck and spinal column?

*A rear facing child is far better protected in the event of a side impact collision, the type that is statistically the most deadly?

We all want our kids to be safe, and as parents it's our job to do our best to make sure that happens. Keeping kids rear facing as long as we can is the best way to keep them safe in the car. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of kids over the age of one. No pediatric organization encourages parents to turn their children at one year /20lbs. That is merely the BARE MINIMUM, and all empasize the importance of rear facing to the maximum limits allowed by the child's car seat. So, don't be a punk. Face the trunk!