Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. It's recommended that children ride in their car seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or the age of 10-12.

When looking for a new seat look for features such as fabric that resists 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 babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the force of impact over a larger surface area which reduces the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward.

Children's head are large in relation to their body, and growing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. In fact, a child's head can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- enough to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat with their backs towards the front are at the highest danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their kiddos have stronger necks than their older children, meaning they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. It's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile of their age isn't any more powerful than a child who's 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens will alter that. In the case of a car crash, the head of a larger child is likely to be struck with much more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. So, it's important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child is at the weight limit of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will require them to be moved to an adult booster. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to notify you that the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the rear of your vehicle and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to change their children's car seats when they grow older because it seems more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat by force and cause permanent damage to the spine. 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 like infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to strike their head on the dashboard or window in the event of an accident. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the vehicle is moving, the head can be pushed into the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards require children 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 the neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most serious kind of car crash.

Utilizing a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces the stress on their necks. A child facing the rear will be less likely to sustain head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.

When you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing be sure to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation They can now travel in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the top weight or height limit set by the manufacturer of their car seat. When they've reached that point, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.

Booster seat

There is no magic age or height when kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat should be used until a child's belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster can increase the height of a child to ensure that they can sit comfortably upright in a car. 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 should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back 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 however they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters.

Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in their place. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if are able to 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 tempted to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from to a harness. If the belt is loose, children can be seriously injured or even die in a crash.

Back seat

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

When your child is no longer able to fit in an infant car seats best car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing position. Usually, these seats can be used up to two years, or until your child outgrows the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

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

All children older than 5 years old should be seated in the booster seat or on a lap belt for a vehicle at the very least. If they can't then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Sitting children in the front seats can increase the chance of injury in a crash, because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.

It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or other flaws. You can then choose a seat that is compatible with your vehicle and the child's height. If you're unable to try the seat, whether it has a policy for refunds.