Car Seats by AgeEach car seat is specifically designed to be suitable for a particular age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.
When you are looking for a new car seat, think about features such as fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, securing their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer, because they spread the force of impact across a wider area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their children to forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to transition forward.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies, and are developing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. The head of a child can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat with a front view.
Many parents believe that their kiddos have necks that are stronger than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile of their age isn't stronger than a child who's 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens will alter the fact that. In the case of a car accident a bigger kid's head is more likely to be hit with greater force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.
When your child has outgrown their
infant car seat swivel car seat you can change to convertible cars that let children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will reach the height limit first, so it's important to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change to forward-facing mode.
If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to get them into a booster seat. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that will inform you when the seat is properly installed and ready to change into forward-facing mode. It is recommended to use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in case of crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats around as they grow older because it is more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing seats are the best option for children.
The fact that a child is facing forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in the event of a crash, as the head could be thrown back by force against the seat's front and can cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to land their head against the dashboard or window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This can cause a fractured skull or spinal chord.
The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year of age. This is because younger kids do not have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most severe kind of accident where automobiles are involved.
The use of a harness or tether when rear-facing helps ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces the stress on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child less than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height is for the specific seat.
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now travel in a forward-facing car seat with tether and harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to travel in a booster seat.
Booster seat
There isn't a set age or size at which kids are able to safely stop using the booster seat. Kids should use it until their vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster raises a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt so that it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.
Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type, which provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles with low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when one is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to hold them in place. You can refer to the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.
Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the harness car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness is dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in an accident.
Back seat
Every child should use a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown its weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
After your
lightweight baby car seat has outgrown an
infant car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used up to 57 inches tall or until your child outgrows the maximum weight and height limits of the seat. You can determine the height and weight of the car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or by looking at the tag that is attached to it.
All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or vehicle's lap belt as much as possible. If not you can use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured during collisions because their bodies are smaller.
It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the best child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat has been recalled due to problems or safety concerns. You can then choose a seat that is suitable for your vehicle and child's height. If you are unable to test a seat, check to see if it has a refund policy.
