Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is specifically designed to be suitable for a particular age group. Children should use their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they are able to use a booster until their belts are properly fitted typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They're also safer as they distribute the impact force over a larger surface area which minimizes the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children to a forward-facing seat 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 let you know when your child is ready to go forward-facing.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents think that their kiddos have stronger necks than their older children, meaning they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to realize that a top rated baby car seats who is 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter the fact that. In the case of a car accident, the head of a larger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant carrier seat car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Children typically attain 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 the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to place them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats have a built-in angle indicator that will inform you whether the seat is installed and is ready to switch to face forward. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best infant carrier car seat security for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to change their children's car seats around as they grow older because it seems more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children.

The fact that a child is facing forward in a best car seat infant seat puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head could be thrown against the seat in front and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to experience whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.

A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the head can be pulled backwards against the seat and may break the skull or the spinal cord.

Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is because younger kids don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision, which is the most severe type of accident in which automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head steady which reduces neck strain. Furthermore the rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries because the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

If you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can be changed from forward-facing to rear-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 will tell you whether or not to use a tether, as well as the weight and height limitations for the seat.

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

Seat booster

There is no age or height limit when children can safely stop using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt is properly fitted and that could happen anytime between age 8 and 13.

A booster can increase the height of a child, so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also placed so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over 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 common booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck 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 as a booster.

Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, in the event that it is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors on your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Some parents might be tempted to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into an adult car seat since the child is becoming too tall for the harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from to a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in an accident.

Back seat

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

When your child is no longer able to fit in an infant car seat in front seat car seat, they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat that has an open rear-facing position. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child is at the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or by examining a tag attached to the seat.

If it is possible, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in deciding on and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also check to find out if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or flaws. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.