Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is specifically designed to be suitable for a particular age group. It is recommended that children sit in their seats until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.

When shopping for a new car seat, consider features like fabric that can withstand staining, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

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

Parents are often enticed by the idea of moving their children forward-facing 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 tell you when your child is ready to go forward.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the highest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they are in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents think that their kids have bigger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. However, it's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a 5th percentile kid and no amount of teen push-ups will change the fact that. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head will likely be struck with greater force. This can lead to brain and spinal cord injury.

If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat in front seat car seat you can switch to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Typically, children attain their maximum height first, so it's important to be attentive to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to change 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 a booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to notify you when the seat has been properly installed and is able for flipping into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the rear of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

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

The fact that a child is facing forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in a crash because the head could be thrown back by force against the seat's front and cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to experience whiplash. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks such as infants who are less than one year old.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or window during a crash. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head may be hit against the seat. This can result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. This is because children younger than one year don't have the neck strength to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most severe kind of accident in which cars are involved.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head in place which reduces neck strain. In addition the rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries because the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be turned from facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the weight and height limitations for that seat.

When your child reaches the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to move into a booster seat.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or height at which children are able to safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster increases the height of a child so that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder part of a belt must be positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt must rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide to ensure the belt is properly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters permit users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.

Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that it is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle 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 utilize them.

Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into an adult car seat since the child is becoming too tall for a harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" the child from to a harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even die in a crash.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back seat of a vehicle for as long as they can using a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat or have surpassed the weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat cheap car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats are generally good for two years or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a vehicle with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it is secured in this position using the lower anchor system or 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 equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until the child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or the tag on the car seat will tell you the height and weight it can be.

All children older than 5 years old should be in the booster seat or on a lap belt for a vehicle, if possible. If not, they should use a back seat restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. They should also not sit in front when the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to get help selecting and installing the best child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat has been recalled for problems or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're not able to try a seat before buying be sure that it comes with a return policy.