Car Seats by Age

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

When you are searching for a new seat, look for features like fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that are removable that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injuries in a crash. They're also safer because they spread the impact force over an area larger than the surface which minimizes spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as it is possible. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to transition forward.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies and still growing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they are in a front-facing car seat.

Many parents believe that their kids have necks that are stronger than their older children, meaning they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't any more powerful than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups can alter this. 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 could result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat uk car seat newborn insert seat, you can switch to a convertible seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will attain their maximum height first and it's crucial to follow 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 or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to put them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that tells you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best car seats newborn protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to change their children's car seats around when they get older because it seems more practical. They must remember, however, that rear-facing is a safer option for children.

In a crash with a baby facing toward the rear the neck could be at risk. The head could be hit against the seat by force and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially true for younger children like infants.

A child facing the forward is more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or on the window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pushed against the seat. This can result in a fractured skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. 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 often the most serious type of accident in which cars are involved.

Using a harness and tether when rear-facing helps ensure that the child's head is stable, which reduces this strain on their necks. Furthermore that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to sustain head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

If you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible best car seats for newborns seat or an all-in-one seat that can change from rear to forward-facing be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for the particular seat.

Once your child is at the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel with a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to move into a booster seat.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using the booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until the belt is properly fitted and that could take between the ages of 8 and 13.

A booster increases the height of a child, so that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt must be placed so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly positioned.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster which provides head and neck support for children. It's a great choice for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable but they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

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

Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child to a booster car seat because the child is becoming too tall to fit in the harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness is risky. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during the event of a crash.

Back seat

Every child should use a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed as long as they can. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown its weight and height limits should move 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 rotating infant car seat car seat they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing seat. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's height and weight limit. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seats, you can put them in a front-facing restraint using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches tall or until your child is at the weight and height recommendations of the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.

All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or lap belt in the vehicle at the very least. If not you can use a back seat restraint located in the middle of the back seat. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Placing children in the front seats can increase the chance of injury in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

It is a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the right child safety seat for them. You can also determine whether your car seat has been recalled for defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with a return policy.