Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but each one is designed to safeguard children based on their age. Children should ride in their car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. After that, they can use a booster until their belts of their vehicle fit properly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When looking for a brand new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that is resistant to stains, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and accessories that can be cleaned.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a collision. They also offer greater safety, since they distribute the impact force over a larger area. This limits the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted by the thought of bringing their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to move forward.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. In reality children's heads can exert up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in a collision -- enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat facing forward are at the greatest danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and can make the transition to a car seat that faces forward faster. However, it's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't as strong as a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of push-ups for teens can change the fact that. In the event of a car crash, a larger child's head will likely be hit with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat you can convert them to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. This is why it is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child is at their convertible car seat's weight or maximum height, you will require them to be moved to an adult booster. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to notify you that the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the rear of your vehicle and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best car seats infant protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to change their children's car seats around when they grow older because it's more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are the best infant seat option for children.

If you crash with an infant car seat for travel facing towards the front, the neck could be at risk. The head could be thrown against the front seat and cause permanent spinal damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet a year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in a crash. Based on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head could be hit against the seat. This can cause a fractured skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which is the most severe type of accident in which automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. Additionally that a child who is rear-facing is less prone to head injuries since the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed from facing forward to rear at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now travel in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've reached that point, it's time to travel with a booster.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until a child's belt fits properly. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster can increase the height of a child so that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder part of a belt is placed so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster which provides head and neck support for children. It's a good choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable but they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for children in harness mode until about 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat for 100 pounds.

Some boosters are equipped with lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when one is available. Others require the seat belt to hold them in their place. Go through the manual of your car to see if you can use the lower anchors on your car, and read the booster seat instructions to learn how to utilize them.

Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old 30 pounds child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for a car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from the harness. If the belt is too loose children could be seriously injured or even killed in a crash.

Back seat

All children should be in the back seat of a vehicle for as long as is possible using a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

Once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, you can move them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats are generally good for two years or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. If you have a vehicle with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can place them in a front-facing restraint with a harness. These seats are generally used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or reaches the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by looking at a tag attached to it.

If it is possible, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they aren't able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. Also, they should not sit in front when the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions since their bodies are smaller.

You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic for assistance in selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat has been recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you can't try out the seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.