Car Seats by Age

infant car seat seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children based on their age. It is recommended that children sit in their car seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then get an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.

If you are looking for a new seat, look for features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that are removable that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean is also taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They also offer greater safety, because they spread the force of impact over a larger area. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing as long as you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat as specified by the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat facing forward are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as 5th percentile kids, and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the event of a car accident, a bigger kid's head is more likely to be hit with much more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat swivel car seat, you can switch to a convertible car seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. This is why it is essential to follow the guidelines of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to put them in an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat is correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your car and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best car seats security for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their baby's car seat around as they grow older, because it is more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing seats are a safer option for children.

If you crash with an infant car seat travel facing toward the rear, the neck could be at risk. The head can be hit against the seat by force and cause permanent spine damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to suffer whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet a year old.

A child facing forward 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 hit against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal cord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason for this is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most serious kind of car accident.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to suffer head injuries because the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to face the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.

Once your child has reached the rear-facing limit of a car seat, they can be in a forward-facing car seat with tether and harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer of their car seat. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to move into a booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no set age or size at which kids can safely stop using the booster seat. Kids should use it until the belt fits them properly, and that can happen anytime between age 8 and 13.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt must be positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should lie on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is properly positioned.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters may be less expensive but they do not provide neck or head support. Some 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 boosters.

Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether if available. Others require the seat belt to hold them in their place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the harness car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness is risky. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during a crash.

Back seat

All children should be in the back seat of a car as long as they can using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

After your baby outgrows the infant carrier seat car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. These seats can typically be used for up to two years or until your child reaches the seat's maximum weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches tall or until your child reaches the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or by examining the tag that is attached to it.

All older children should be seated in the booster seat or on a lap belt for a vehicle as much as possible. If they can't, they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an airbag that is active. Putting children in the front seat can increase their chances of injury in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. You can also determine if your car seat is being recalled due to problems or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test a seat, whether it has a policy for refunds.