Car Seats by Age

Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children based on their age. 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 fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.

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

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a collision. They're also safer as they spread the force of impact over a larger surface area, which limits spinal cord injuries.

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 it is possible. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to go forward.

Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies and still developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. In fact, a child's head could generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is more than enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children who are in a car seat that is facing to the side are at a higher risk of fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their kiddos have stronger necks than older kids, so they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the case of a car crash, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

If your child is outgrowing their rotating infant car seat car seat, you can convert them to convertible cars that let them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. This is why it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the car seat regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches their convertible car seat's weight or maximum height, you will need to move them to the booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to let you know when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

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

The fact that a child is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head can be thrown back by force against the seat in front and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants.

A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a glass in the event of a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the rotating infant car seat is traveling the head could be forced backwards against the seat and break the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year of age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which is often the most severe kind of accident where cars are involved.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head in place which reduces neck strain. A child who is rear-facing 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 an all-in-one seat that can change from rear to forward-facing, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing 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.

Once your child is at the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they've surpassed this, it's time to travel in a booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no age or height limit at which children are safe from using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until their vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could take anywhere from age 8 to 13.

A booster increases the height of a child so that they are able to sit upright in cars. The shoulder portion of a belt must be placed so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt must rest across the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are 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 from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as boosters.

Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether when available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. You can refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 lbs child go straight to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child out of the harness is risky. If the belt is too loose, children can be seriously injured or even killed in a collision.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back 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 big for a rear facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits they should change to a forward facing child restraint using a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown the infant car seat in front seat 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 are generally good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

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

If possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Placing children in the front seats can increase the chance of injury in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

It's a good idea to bring your child to a local newborn car seat insert seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. They can also check to find out if your child's seat has been removed due to safety issues or defects. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you are unable to test a seat, see if it has a return policy.