Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is designed to fit a certain age group. Children should ride in their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they can use a booster until their belts of their vehicle fit properly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When shopping for a new car seat, think about features like fabric that is resistant to staining, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and accessories that can be cleaned.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, securing their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They also offer greater safety, as they disperse the force of an impact over a larger area. This helps reduce spinal cord injuries.
Parents are often tempted by the thought of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing for as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current seat as stated by the manufacturer.
Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies. They are also developing, making them especially vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times their body weight in a collision that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the greatest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they are in a car seat with a front view.
Many parents believe that their kiddos have stronger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. It's important to keep it in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a kid who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups done by teens can change the fact that. In the event of a crash the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be struck with greater force. This could result in brain and spinal cord injury.
If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible car seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. This is why it is important to follow the instructions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.
If your child is at the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll have to put them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with an inbuilt angle indicator that informs you that the seat is installed and ready to flip to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats around when they grow older, because it is more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing is safer for children.
A baby who is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash because the head could be thrown back by force against the front seat and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash is still a possibility even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.
A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in an accident. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the car is traveling the head could be forced back against the seat and may break the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards require that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most dangerous type of car accident.
Using a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the kid's head stable and reduces strain on their necks. Furthermore, a rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries because the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
If you have a baby who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can change from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the weight and height limitations for that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with a tether. Once they've outgrown it, it's time to travel with a booster.
Seat booster
There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt is properly fitted and that could happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster raises the height of a child, so that they can sit comfortably upright in cars. The shoulder portion of a belt is set so that it sits close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt must rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is correctly placed.
Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles with low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as boosters.
Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, in the event that it is available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.
infant car seats cheap pushchairsandprams might be tempted to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child to an adult car seat since the child is becoming too tall to fit in the harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" a child from to a harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident.
Back seat
All children should sit in the back seat of a car for as long as they can with a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or who have exceeded the weight and height limits they should change to a forward facing child restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.
After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat, you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seats with the option of rear-facing. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to two years, or until your child is over the seat's maximum weight and height limit. If you have a vehicle with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can find out the height and weight of the car seat is by studying the instructions of the manufacturer, or by examining the tag on it.
If possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not you can use a back seat restraint located in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions since their bodies are smaller.
It's a good idea bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to help with choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. They can also check if your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat before buying ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.