Lisa Pawlak
What’s New from AAP in 2019 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently announced new policy statements on a variety of topics including car seat safety, the negative outcomes of spanking, and updated treatments for sportrelated concussions. While many of
us consider the beginning of the year a great opportunity to establish new, personal health resolutions, it’s also worth checking out old-fashioned safety guidelines for the kids. You might be surprised to see some changes.
New Car Seat Safety Guidelines The AAP has removed age limits from car seat safety recommendations. Until recently, parents were encouraged to keep kids rear facing until the age of 2. New recommendations are now based solely on weight and height: Keep children in the rear-facing position until they reach the upper weight and height limits of the car seat. This may be beyond the age of 2, depending on the size of your child and
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the capacity of your car seat. Weight and height limits vary by car seat model, so get familiar with this information on yours. Sometimes it’s listed on a sticker on the actual car seat. You can also find the information in the instruction manual or at www.healthychildren .org/English/safety-prevention/ on-the-go/Pages/Car-Safety-SeatsProduct-Listing.aspx. The rear facing position has been found to be the safest because, in the event of a car accident, the child’s head is already being pressed against the back of the car seat; therefore, the force of impact often continues in this same direction during a collision. The risk of whiplash or overextension of the neck is dramatically reduced. Overall, car seats have effectively reduced the risk of injury and death when compared to children using regular adult seat belts. Always use a car seat for children when traveling by motor vehicle. For information on California’s car seat laws, visit www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/ programs/child-safety-seats.
Spanking More research has emerged showing that spanking children is an ineffective and harmful disciplinary tool. As a result, the AAP has just issued its strongest anti-spanking message ever, and called for a ban on spanking. While spanking may change a child’s behavior in the short term (primarily by causing fear), kids who are spanked suffer in the long term physically, mentally and emotionally. Spanking affects school