Car Seats by Age

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

If you are looking for a new chair, consider features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be considered.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact over a larger area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted to 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 inform you when your child is ready to go forward facing infant car seat.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they are in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. It's important to keep it in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens can change that. In the case of a car accident, a bigger kid's head is likely to be struck with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat best car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer of the car seat on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you'll have to transition them into an adult booster. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that informs you whether the seat is installed and ready to flip into forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed to turn their child's car seat as they get older, as it's more convenient. They must remember, however that rear-facing seats are an option that is safer for children.

The fact that a child is facing forward in the car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash because the head could be thrown against the seat's front and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet one year old.

A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in the event of a crash. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving, the head could be placed against the seat. This can result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. This is due to the fact that younger children don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which is often the most severe kind of accident in which automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head stable which reduces neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries as the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can switch from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to face 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 specific seat.

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

Booster seat

There is no set age or height when kids can safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster helps a child increase their height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is properly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most popular type is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles with low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.

Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when available. Others require the seat belt to keep them in position. Check the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you 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 becoming too tall for a harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from the harness. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in a crash.

Back seat

Every child should use the child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat or have exceeded its weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're 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 all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you own a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it can be secured tightly to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are generally used until the child reaches the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or the tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it is able to support.

If you can, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they aren't able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat if there's an airbag that is active. Sitting children in the front seats can increase the risk of injury in an accident, as the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.

It is a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to help with choosing and installing the best infant carrier car seat child safety seat for them. They can also check if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat prior to purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.