Car Seats by Age

Each car seat newborn seat is specifically designed to fit a certain age group. It is recommended that children ride in their car seat for newborn seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.

When looking for a brand new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that is resistant to staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed and hardware that wipes clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from a crash. They are also safer, as they distribute the impact force over a greater area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed to change their children to forward facing infant car seat-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as it is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing car seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a front-facing car seat.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward earlier. However, it's important to keep in mind that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of push-ups for teens will change the fact that. In the case of a car accident the head of a child with a bigger size is likely to be hit with more force. This can result in brain and spinal cord injury.

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 height limit. Children typically attain their maximum height first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will have to transition them into a booster. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that tells you whether the seat is installed and ready to change to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to switch their kids' car seats when they grow older because it seems more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing is a safer option for children.

A baby who is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash because the head could be thrown against the seat's front and can cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are smaller such as infants who are less than one year old.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head against the dashboard or window in the event of an accident. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving the head could be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal chord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is because children younger than one year don't have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is the most serious kind of accident in which cars are involved.

The harness and tether help keep the child's head stable which reduces neck strain. Additionally that a child who is rear-facing is less prone to head injuries because the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

If you have a baby less than a year old in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can switch from rear to forward-facing, make sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to face the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height are for the particular seat.

Once your child has reached the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now travel in a forward-facing seat with tether and harness until they reach the top weight limit or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've reached that point, the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or size at which kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until the vehicle belt is properly fitted, and that can happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.

A booster raises the height of a child, so that they can sit upright in a car. It also places the shoulder part of the belt so it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide to ensure the belt is placed correctly.

Booster seats come with or without a backrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are cheaper however they do not provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds and then as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.

Some boosters come with lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when one is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 lbs child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from to a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in an accident.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back of a car for as long as possible, using a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat or have surpassed its weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

When your baby is no longer in an infant car seat cheap car seat they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child is at the top weight and height limits of the seat. You can find out the height and weight of the infant car seats best seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or looking at the tag that is attached to the seat.

All children over the age of 18 must be seated in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If not then they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to suffer injuries in a collision because their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also check to determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or other flaws. Then, you can buy one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat, find out if the seat has a return policy.