Ask Dr. Hirsch: Weekly Q&A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician and Lactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care

This Week’s Question:

“What are the biggest car seat safety myths parents should know about?”

Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:

Car seats are one of the most important safety tools we use as parents, and one of the most confusing. Advice comes from everywhere, and a lot of it is outdated or incorrect.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death in children over age one, and most happen close to home. The good news is that many risks come from simple myths that are easy to fix.

Rear-facing concerns

Parents often worry that their child’s legs look cramped and it’s time to turn them forward. In reality, rear-facing is the safest position for as long as possible. Children are flexible, and leg position is not a safety concern.

Keep children rear-facing until they reach the height or weight limit of the seat, often well past age 2 and closer to age 4 or beyond.

Turning forward too soon

Age 2 is a minimum, not a goal. Many children can safely remain rear-facing longer. Turning forward too early increases the risk of serious head and neck injury.

Once forward-facing, children should remain in a 5-point harness until they outgrow it.

Puffy coats and loose harnesses

Bulky coats create slack in the harness. In a crash, that slack can make the seat ineffective. Dress children in thin layers and place a blanket over the harness if needed.

If you can pinch the harness, it’s too loose.

“It’s just a short drive”

Most crashes happen within a few miles of home. Safety depends on consistency, not distance. Every ride matters.

Skipping boosters too early

Seat belts are designed for adults. Without a booster, the belt sits incorrectly and increases injury risk.

Children typically need a booster until they reach about 4’9”, often between ages 10 and 12.

Installation and used seats

Car seats are often installed incorrectly, even by careful parents. A quick check by a certified technician can make a big difference.

Used seats should only be used if you know their full history, they have not been in a crash, and they are not expired.

Bottom line

Car seat safety is not about perfection. It is about reducing risk as much as possible.

Rear-facing as long as possible, a properly tightened harness, the right seat for your child’s size, and consistent use every time are what truly keep children safe.

If you’re unsure, ask your pediatrician or a certified car seat technician. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, including expert newborn support, lactation guidance, and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also offers emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety support.

Lev Pediatric Care is located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule, call 845-579-5700. They also provide free car service to and from doctor visits.

Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A