Car Seats by Age

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. Children should use their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they are able to use a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When you are looking for a new car seat, think about features such as fabric that resists stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and accessories that can be cleaned.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They're also safer as they distribute the impact force over an area larger than the surface which reduces spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often tempted by the idea of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing for as long as you can. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to move forward.

Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies, and are developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head is capable of generating 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 greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward sooner. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of push-ups for teens will change that. In the event of a crash, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.

If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat cheap car seat you can switch to convertible cars that let children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. In general, children will attain their maximum height first and therefore it is important to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch 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 a booster seat. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to let you know when the seat is properly installed and is able for flipping into forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in a crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often tempted to flip their baby's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

The fact that a child is facing forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head can be thrown against the front seat and cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly true for smaller kids such as infants who are less than one year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be forced back against the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord.

Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 pounds and one year old. This is because children younger than one year 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 where automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head in place and reduce neck strain. In addition the rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.

If you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to face the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for the particular seat.

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

Seat booster

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

A booster increases the height of a child to ensure that they can sit comfortably upright in the car. It also places the shoulder part of the belt so it lies close to but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should lie across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide to ensure the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether when available. Some require the car seat belt to secure them in place. You can check the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out if you can use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for the car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during a crash.

Back seat

All children should use a child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed as long as they can. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.

When your child is no longer able to fit in an infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing seat. These seats are usually good for two years or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are typically used until your child is the height of 57 inches or exceeds the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat for newborn seat will let you know how tall and heavy it is able to support.

If it is possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use a back seat restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front of the car if the airbag is active. Placing children in the front seat could increase the chance of injury in an accident because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

It's a good idea take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the best car seats for newborns child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat has been recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat, see if it has a refund policy.