car seats by age (
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Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. It is recommended that children sit in their seats until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then get an extra seat until the vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.
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Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They're also safer as they distribute the impact force over more of a larger area which minimizes injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted by the thought of bringing their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing as long as you can. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current car seat, as specified by the manufacturer.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. In reality children's heads could generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in a collision -- more than enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep it in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups done by teens will alter that. In the event of a crash, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with more force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.
When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can convert them to a convertible
infant car seat that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. In general, children will attain their maximum height first and it's crucial to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.
When your child reaches the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, you'll need to put them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to let you know when the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in the event of a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats when they grow older, because it's more convenient. They must remember, however, that rear-facing is the
best car seat option for children.
A baby who is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head can be thrown by force against the seat's front and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can happen even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet one year old.
A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in a crash. Based on the type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving, the head may be placed against the seat. This could result in fractures to the skull or spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. The reason for this is that children younger than one year old do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.
Utilizing a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces stress on their necks. Furthermore that a child who is rear-facing is less prone to head injuries since the impact is cushioned by body of the 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 changed from facing forward to rear at any time, read the instructions provided 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.
When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it it's time to travel with a booster.
Seat booster
There is no set age or height when kids can safely stop using the booster seat. 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 increases the height of a child, so that they can sit comfortably upright in cars. The shoulder part of a belt must be set so that it sits close to the chest, but not above. The lap portion of the belt must rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide to ensure the belt is placed correctly.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most popular type is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to about 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.
Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that it is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to hold them in their place. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual to find out 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 may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child to an adult car seat since the child is growing too tall to fit in a harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from the harness. If the belt is too loose children could be seriously injured or even die in an accident.
Back seat
All children should be in the back of a car as long as they can using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown its height and weight limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.
After your baby has outgrown an
infant car seats cheap car seat, you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one
cheap infant car seats seats with an option to rear-facing. These seats are generally good for two years or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a vehicle with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so it can be secured tightly to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat you can place them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. In general, these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child is at the weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or looking at the tag that is attached to it.
If it is possible, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front when the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.
It is a good idea to take 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. You can also determine if your car seat has been recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then choose a seat that is suitable for your vehicle and the child's height. If you can't try out a seat, whether it has a policy for refunds.