Car Seats for Larger or Overweight Babies
Monday April 3, 2006
New research indicates that more than a quarter of a million children ages one to six are heavier than the maximum weights for standard car seats. The study links these larger-than-average children with the U.S. obesity epidemic, and indicates that many babies and children may be underprotected in a car crash because they are too heavy for their car seat or are in a booster seat that is inappropriate for their age and height.
Regardless of whether your baby or young child is legitimately overweight, or just grows faster than average, there are car seats available that allow heavier babies to remain in a harness beyond 40 pounds, which is the limit of most standard car seats. Children should remain in a harnessed car seat until they are at least age 4, and until they are able stay properly seated in a belt-positioning booster. Rather than moving a heavier two- or three-year-old to a belt positioning booster, try one of these five-point harness car seats that can be harnessed up to 65 pounds. Some of the following seats also can be used as a belt-positioning booster seat after 65 pounds. If your child is extra tall as well as heavy, be sure to check the car seat's height limits, too.
Regardless of whether your baby or young child is legitimately overweight, or just grows faster than average, there are car seats available that allow heavier babies to remain in a harness beyond 40 pounds, which is the limit of most standard car seats. Children should remain in a harnessed car seat until they are at least age 4, and until they are able stay properly seated in a belt-positioning booster. Rather than moving a heavier two- or three-year-old to a belt positioning booster, try one of these five-point harness car seats that can be harnessed up to 65 pounds. Some of the following seats also can be used as a belt-positioning booster seat after 65 pounds. If your child is extra tall as well as heavy, be sure to check the car seat's height limits, too.
Comments
Interesting. I find it harder to sit my 3, almost 4yo, in her seat and she’s small for her age. The coat is the problem, but you would think that companies realize this
Hello,
I am a student from Cal State University of Northridge in Los Angeles California. I am doing a research project for school and I was wondering if you can help me with something. I have a few questions regarding the article about the “CAR SEATS FOR LARGER OR OVERWEIGHT BABIES”.
1. What progresses has there been since the article has been published?
2. What ethnic background children dominated the numbers in the research?
3. What are health officials doing about lowering the numbers?
4. Do you think car seat manufacturers should increase their size to accommodate overweight children?
5. What should parents do if they are in that situation?
6. What do you predict for the future? Would children keep getting fatter or be at a normal weight?
I would really appreciate some answers to these questions in order for me to complete my research.
Thank you very much
I know there are (expensive) options for bigger than average 3-4 year year olds, but what about my 6 year old? She is almost 4&1/2 feet and 90lbs. She squeezes into the widest backless booster we could find, but not for much longer! The seatbelt still hits her right across the neck. Should I just let her sit on a pillow, or what?!
Can anyone tell me where I can find diapers for my overweight two yr old? Even the largest Pull Ups are too small and she is not quite ready for potty training yet. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank You
goodnites are good my son went in to pullups when he was 9 months old and his legs were too big for em at 15 months i buy goodnites theyare a bit pricey but the dollar store has them as well they just arent as durable