Why car seat rules are different in Europe

Suzie Kim, Santa Monica Police Dept, explains explains why car seats in Europe are rear-facing for four years, but only two in the United States, and which one is recommended and safer
Why Car Seat Rules Are Different In Europe
KidsInTheHouse the Ultimate Parenting Resource
Kids in the House Tour

Why car seat rules are different in Europe

Comment
72
Like
72
Transcription: 
A lot of people question why in Europe the car seats are rear-facing for four years and here we recommend that you keep your child rear-facing for only two years. We have gone through a lot of lobbying just to get it to the two year point and we have been advocating for many years that children are much safer the longer they ride rear-facing in a car. Finally, last Spring the American Academy of Pediatrics agreed with us, and now they make that recommendation to their patients as well, so it is a big help to us when we are installing a car seat, or when we are talking to parents about how their children should be seated in a car. Our recommendation is always to keep them rear-facing for a minimum of two years and if we can convince the parents to keep their children rear-facing for longer, we will do that, because it's all about their spine and neck development and we want to make sure that they have the muscle tone that's necessary to protect their heads and necks in case of a crash or a sudden stop even.

Suzie Kim, Santa Monica Police Dept, explains explains why car seats in Europe are rear-facing for four years, but only two in the United States, and which one is recommended and safer

Transcript

Expert Bio

More from Expert

Suzie Kim

Crime Prevention, Santa Monica Police Dept.

Suzie Kim has spent more than five years teaching parents and caregivers how to safely install their car seat systems.  Suzie and her partner hold monthly car seat inspection events at the Santa Monica Police Department, providing education on the proper use and installation of the various types of car seats as well as sharing information on seat belts, air bags, and the proper time to switch car seat systems. She tries to fit in as many appointments as possible and has assisted parents/caregivers with over 1,500 car seat installations! Suzie has been with the Santa Monica Police Department for 14 years working in Crime Prevention and Community Relations. She serves on the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, YMCA Early Childhood Development Board, and as an Explorer Advisor for the Santa Monica Police Department. In her free time Suzie enjoys spending time with her four sons, swimming, travelling, and other outdoor adventures.

Car Seats, Car Seats, Car Seats
More Parenting Videos from Suzie Kim >
Enter your email to
download & subscribe
to our newsletter