Childhood Obesity Epidemic Causing Manufacturers to Develop Larger Car Seats

April 7th, 2006

Manufacturers are filling orders for larger car seats due to the increasing obesity epidemic involving young children. A study published in Pediatrics journal reveals that some 280,000 U.S. children between the ages of 1 and 6 are too heavy for weight limits of standard car seats. The most affected category is 3-year-olds who weigh more than 40 pounds.

Using car seats that don’t accommodate the increasing weight and girth of young children can put them at greater risk of injury in car accidents.  In addition, older obese children may not fit into booster seats or have attained the height (57 inches) to use an adult seat belt.

Properly restraining toddlers in car seats or older children in booster seats has been shown to reduce risk of fatal injury by more than half. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S. Each year about 1.5 million youngsters are involved in crashes.

Sturdier car seats can help cut fatalities and serious injuries of heavier young children, but a price tag of $240 and higher may be more than many families can afford.

National growth charts and the 2000 census indicate that at least 283,305 children ages 1 to 6 are too heavy for standard safety seats. More than 23 percent of U.S. children ages 2 to 5 were overweight and more than 10 percent obese in 2001-2002, according to government data. Statistics are expected to show a continuing upward trend.

Sources: Oakland Tribune; 4/3/06 AP article by reporter Lindsay Tanner, CNN Money.com

Entry Filed under: OBESITY,Obesity