A minor storm has blown up in New Zealand over the Royal couple's choice of baby seat. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose a forward-facing seat for Baby George, who is eight months old.
It was fitted by Plunket, New Zealand's national childcare agency despite Plunket's own advice stating that children should face backwards until the age of two. The childcare body has since been attacked on Facebook for double standards.
Forward-facing is what the Duke and Duchess asked for, according to newspaper reports.
There are good reasons why they might prefer this. It's easier to see if the baby is asleep and to maintain eye contact. But which way is safer?
The UK government's advice states that babies up to 13kg should have rear-facing baby seats. But it also says either forward or rear-facing seats are fine for children from 9-18kg.
Rear-facing for as long as possible is what many retailers, such as Mothercare, advise parents of young children. In 2009 the British Medical Journal reported that rear-facing seats are safer for children under four.
- Rear-facing seats safer
- Forward-facing seats dangerous in head-on crash
- Children's necks and heads especially vulnerable to being thrown forward
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