Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children based on their age. Children should use their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they can use a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When looking for a brand new car seat, think about features like fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing infant car seat best seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer, as they disperse the force of an impact across a wider area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to transition forward-facing.

The heads of children are huge in relation to their body and growing. This makes them vulnerable to injury in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in a collision, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the greatest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents think that their kiddos have stronger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. 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 teen push-ups can alter the fact that. In the case of a car crash, a bigger kid's head is likely to hit with much more force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can change to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Typically, children reach the height limit first and it's crucial to follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when you should switch to forward-facing.

If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll need to get them into an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to notify you when the seat has been properly installed and is able to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only 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

Many parents are enticed by the idea of change their children's car seats when they get older because it is more convenient. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

If you crash with a baby facing toward the rear, the neck is at risk. The head could be hit against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to suffer whiplash. This is particularly relevant for children younger than them like infants.

A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in an accident. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the vehicle is moving the head could be pushed into the seat and break the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. This is because children younger than one year do not have the neck strength to withstand the forces 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, reducing neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe for them to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for the specific seat.

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

Booster seat

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

A booster elevates a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so it lies close to, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly positioned.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type, which 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, but they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.

Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to keep them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 lbs child go straight to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the harness car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from to a harness. If the belt is loose children could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident.

Back seat

Every child should use a child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat for travel infant car seat uk seat, you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. If you have a vehicle with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat in a way that it is securely secured in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can place them in a forward-facing restraint with a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches tall or until your child is at the height and weight recommendations of 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.

All children older than 5 years old must be seated in the booster seat or on a lap belt in the vehicle as much as possible. If not, they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. In addition you should not place them in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Sitting children in the front seat could increase their chances of getting injured in an accident, as the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.

You can take your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best child safety seat. You can also determine if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or other flaws. Then, you can buy one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test a seat, check to find out if the seat has a policy for refunds.