car seats by age;
research by the staff of Zzart,
Each car seat is designed to be suitable for a particular age group. It is recommended that children sit in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or the age of 10-12.
When looking for a new seat, consider features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean is also taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the force of impact over a larger surface area which minimizes injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as is possible. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their maximum weight or height limit of their current seat as specified by the manufacturer.
Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in an accident which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat with their backs towards the front are at the highest risk of fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward faster. It's important to keep it in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups by teens will change the fact that. In the event of a crash, a larger child's head will likely be struck with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.
When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can switch to a convertible car that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually attain their maximum height first. Therefore, it is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the car seat regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode.
When your child is at the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you'll need to move them into a booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your car and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats when they grow older, because it seems more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
If you crash with an infant facing towards the front, the neck could be at risk. The head can be hit against the seat and cause permanent spine damage. Whiplash can still occur 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 in the direction of the driver is more likely 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
best car seat for newborn is moving, the head may be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and one year old. This is due to the fact that younger children don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces in a head-on collision, which is often the most severe kind of accident in which automobiles are involved.
Using a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces strain on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child less than a year old in a convertible
best car seats seat or an all-in-1 seat that can be changed from forward-facing to rear-facing ensure that you read 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 that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing
best car seats newborn seat with a tether. Once they've outgrown it the time is now to move on to a booster.
Booster seat
There is no age limit or height that children are able to 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 can increase the height of a child, so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so that it is near but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles that have low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters can be less expensive however they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to about 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat for 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether, in the event that it is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in position. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.
Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the car seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. If the belt is loose children could be seriously injured or even die in an accident.
Back seat
Every child should use the child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed as long as they can. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing child restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.
Once your child has outgrown an
infant car seat travel car seat you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to two years, or until your child is over the seat's highest height and weight limit. If you have a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so it is secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.
When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can put them in a front-facing restraint using a harness. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child is at the top height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will tell you the height and weight it can be.
If possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 sit in a booster or lap belt. If not, they should use a back restraint 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. Sitting children in the front seat can increase the risk of being injured during an accident because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic for assistance in selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. You can also determine if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then choose a seat that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able try a seat before buying ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.