Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. It is recommended that children sit in their seats until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then get a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.

When looking for a new seat, look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should be taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer because they distribute the impact force across a wider area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted to change their children to 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 let you know when your child is ready to go forward-facing.

Children's heads are big in relation to their body and growing. This makes them vulnerable in a crash. In reality the head of a child can generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in the event of a collision. This is enough to cause a deadly injury. This is why children are at the greatest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents believe that their kiddos have stronger necks than their older children, meaning they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will alter the fact that. In the event of a car crash the head of a bigger child will likely be struck with greater force. This can result in brain and spinal cord injury.

If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can switch to convertible cars that let children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children typically attain their maximum height first. This is why it is important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

If your child is at the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, you'll need to place them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat is properly installed and is ready for flipping into 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 protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats around as they grow older, because it seems more practical. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing is safer for children.

Having a baby seat face forward in a car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head could be thrown against the front seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the type of crash occurs and the speed at which the car is moving, the head may be placed against the seat. This could result in fractured skulls or a spinal chord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason for this is that children who are younger do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.

The use of a harness or tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces the stress on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can switch from rear to forward-facing be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.

Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with tether. When they've outgrown this, it is time to get a booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no age or height limit when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder part of the belt so it is near but not over the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are cheaper however they do not provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as an adult booster seat until about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, if available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to hold them in their place. You can refer to 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.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" children from a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in a crash.

Back seat

All children should use the child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or who have exceeded its weight and height limits, should switch to a forward-facing restraint with harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.

After your lightweight top rated baby car seats car seat, Link Website, outgrows an cheap infant car seats car seat they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing position. Usually, these seats can be used for a period of up to two years, or until your child is over the seat's highest weight and height limit. If you have a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so it is secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or attains the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or by examining the tag on the seat.

All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt at the very least. If not, they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front of the car if the airbag is activated. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

You can take your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're not able try a seat before buying ensure that it comes with a return policy.