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Car seats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect children based on their age. It is recommended that children sit in their seat until they meet the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.
When looking for a brand new car seat, consider features such as fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and equipment that is easy to clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers protecting their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer, because they disperse the force of an impact over a greater area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted to move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as it is possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to transition forward.
Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies and still developing, making them especially vulnerable in a crash. In fact, a child's head can generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is enough to cause a deadly injury. That's why young children are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a front-facing car seat.
Many parents think that their kiddos have bigger necks than older kids, so they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than the 5th percentile child, and no amount of teen push-ups can change the fact that. In the case of a car accident the head of a larger child is more likely to be hit with greater force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.
If your child is no longer in their
infant car seat cheap car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer of the car seat on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches their convertible car seat's weight or maximum height, you will need to move them into an adult booster. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that will inform you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch to face forward. Use a booster only at the rear of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed to change their baby's car seat around as they get older, because it is more comfortable. They must remember, however that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children.
The fact that a child is facing forward in the car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash because the head can be thrown back by force against the seat's front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet a year old.
A child who is facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in an accident. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is moving, the head can be pulled back against the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and one year old. This is because younger kids don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which is the most serious kind of accident where automobiles are involved.
The harness and tether will help keep the child's head steady which reduces neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less prone to head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their 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 turned from facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe 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 are for the specific seat.
Once your child has reached the rear-facing limit of a car seat, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed by the manufacturer of their car seat. When they've outgrown this, it is time to travel in a booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster raises the height of a child, so that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt must be placed so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt must rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guides to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a backrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back, which provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters may be less expensive however they don't offer head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.
Some boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether when available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors on your car, and also read the booster seat instructions to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents might be tempted to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat because the child is becoming too tall for the harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" a child from a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in the event of a crash.
Back seat
All children should have the child safety or booster seat that is properly installed as long as they can. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits, should switch to a forward facing child restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.
When your baby is no longer in the infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing seat. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the top height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it is able to support.
If possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front of the car if the airbag is in use. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.
It's a good idea take your child to a local
car seat for newborn seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in deciding on and installing the
best infant carrier car seat child safety seat for them. You can also determine whether your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and the child's height. If you're unable to try a seat, check to find out if the seat has a return policy.
