Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect children based on their age. It's recommended that children ride in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.
When you are searching for a new seat look for features like fabric that resists stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. best car seats for infants that is easy to clean should also be considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the impact force over a larger surface area which minimizes spinal cord injuries.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing their children forward facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat as stated by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge in relation to their body and growing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. In fact the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in an accident -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher risk of fatal head injuries.
Many parents think that their kids have necks that are stronger than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than the 5th percentile child, and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the case of a car accident the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be hit with greater force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can change to a convertible car that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. In general, children will be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to be attentive to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat 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 have to get them into a booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to inform you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat on the back 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 enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats around when they grow older because it is more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are a safer option for children.
If you crash with the baby facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head could be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent spine damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are smaller such as infants who are less than a year old.
A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or window in the event of the course of a crash. Based on the kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving, the head may be placed against the seat. This can result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.
The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. The reason for this is that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most serious type of car accident.
The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head stable which reduces neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to suffer head injuries as the impact is cushioned by their seat.
If you have a baby less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing, make sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer on 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 that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the rear-facing car seat limitation They can now travel in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height 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 age limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt fits them properly, and that can happen anytime between age 8 and 13.
A booster helps a child increase their height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder part 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 come with belt guides that help to ensure the belt is properly placed.
Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster, which provides head and neck support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters may be less expensive but they do not provide head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that one is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Go through the manual of your car to see if you can use the lower anchors in your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their three-year-old 30 pounds child go straight to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for the harness car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from the harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in a crash.
Back seat
All children should ride in the back seat of a car for as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the 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.
Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat you can transfer them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats are usually good for two years or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child is out of their rear-facing seats, you can put them in a front-facing restraint using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches tall or until your child outgrows the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by examining the tag that is attached to the seat.
All children older than 5 years old should be seated in the booster seat or on a lap belt for a vehicle, if possible. If not you can use a back seat restraint located in the middle of the back seat. Also, they should not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Putting children in the front seat could increase their chances of getting injured in an accident because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing, make sure it has a return policy.