Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is made to be suitable for a particular age group. Children should be in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits. Then, they can utilize a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When you are looking for a new car seat, think about features such as fabric that resists staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the force of impact across a larger surface area, which limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the idea of move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as it is possible. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to transition forward-facing.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In reality, a child's head can exert up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- more than enough to cause a deadly injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat with a front view.
Many parents believe that their kids have stronger necks than older kids, so they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep it in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a child who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will alter that. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head will likely be struck with more force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat rear facing car seat, you can switch to a convertible seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height 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 on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll need to place them in an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that will inform you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. It is best car seats for infants to use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in the event of a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to change their children's car seats when they grow older, because it seems more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
If you crash with a baby facing forward the neck could be at risk. The head can be placed against the seat and cause permanent spine damage. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet one year old.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to strike their head on the dashboard or on the 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 may be pushed against the seat. This can cause a fractured skull or spinal chord.
The current safety standards demand that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason is that younger children don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most serious kind of car crash.
The use of a harness or tether when rear-facing helps keep the kid's head stable, which reduces this stress on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less prone to head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a baby under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can be changed from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines will explain whether or not you should use a tether as well as the height and weight limits for that seat.
Once your child has reached the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat that has a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to get the booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no magic age or height when kids can safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's belt fits properly. This can occur 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 places the shoulder part of the belt so it lies close to but not over the chest. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide 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. This is a great option for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for kids in harness mode until about 65 pounds, and later as an adult booster seat until about 100 pounds.
Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether, when available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to secure them in their place. Check the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, 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 take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness infant car seat uk seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in the event of a crash.
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 who have exceeded the limits of its weight and height and should be switched to a forward facing child restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.
Once your child has outgrown an infant car seats cheap car seat, you can transfer them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seats with an option to rear-facing. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.
When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. In general, these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child is at the height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will tell you how tall and heavy it is able to support.
All older children should be in the booster seat or on a lap belt for a vehicle as much as possible. If not then they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front of the car if the airbag is active. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured during a collision because their bodies are smaller.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or best car seats newborn seat clinic to get help selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're not able test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.