car seats by age - review -

Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect children based on their age. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then get a booster seat until vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.

When you are searching for a new seat, consider features such as fabric that resists stains and removable pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be considered.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers protecting their necks and spines from a crash. They are also safer as they disperse the force of an impact across a wider area. This limits spinal cord injuries.

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

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies and still growing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. In reality children's heads can generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in a collision -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who are in a car seat that is facing forward are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and can make the transition to a car seat that faces forward earlier. But it's important to remember that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups will change the fact that. In the case of a car crash, the head of a larger child is likely to be struck with greater force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can switch to convertible cars that let them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to 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 to a booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to notify you when the seat has been correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the best protection for your child in the event of a crash.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats newborn seats around as they get older because it seems more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children.

In a crash with a baby facing forward the neck is at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat by force and cause permanent spinal damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially relevant for children younger than them, such as infants.

A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in an accident. Depending on the type of crash occurs and the speed at which the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractures to the skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and 1 year of age. The reason is that younger children don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous type of car accident.

The harness and tether help keep the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to 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 all-in-one seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing ensure that you read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limit you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top weight or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to travel in a booster seat.

Seat booster

There is no magic age or height when kids can safely stop using a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until the vehicle belt is properly fitted and that could happen between the ages of 8 and 13.

A booster helps a child increase their height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder part of the belt so that it is close to, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is properly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a backrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable however they do not provide head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as boosters.

Some boosters are equipped with lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether if one is available. Others require the seat belt to secure them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to find out if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Some parents may be tempted to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" the child from the harness. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during the event of a crash.

Back seat

All children should have a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward facing child restraint using a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat newborn car seat, you can move them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat with the option of rear-facing. These seats can typically be used for up to 2 years or until your child reaches the seat's maximum weight and height limit. If you have a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat in a way that it can be secured tightly in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seats, you can place them in a front-facing restraint using a harness. These seats are typically used until your child is 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will let you know the height and weight it can be.

All older children 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. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat if there is an airbag that is active. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during a collision because their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the best car seats newborn child safety seat for them. They can also check to determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, find out if the seat has a refund policy.