Car Seats by Age
Car seats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, they are all designed to safeguard children according to their age. Children should use their car seat until they reach the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they can 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 shopping for a new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that is resistant to stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from a crash. They are also safer, as they spread the force of impact over a larger area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing as long as you can. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body and growing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. In fact children's heads can generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in the event of a collision. best infant carrier car seat is enough to cause a deadly injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat that is facing forward are at the greatest risk of fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their kiddos have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't any more powerful than a 5th percentile kid and no amount of teen push-ups can change the fact that. In the event of a car accident the head of a larger child is more likely to be hit with greater force, which can cause brain and spinal cord injuries.
If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible car seat that allows them to stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. In general, children will attain their maximum height first, so it's important to pay close attention to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch to forward-facing mode.
If your child has reached the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will have to transition them to the booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to inform you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. It is recommended to use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle and always 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 switch their kids' car seats around as they get older because it's more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are a safer option for children.
In a crash with the baby facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially relevant for children younger than them, such as infants.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window, in a crash. Based 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 result in fractures to the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards mandate that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason is that children younger than one year old do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most serious kind of car accident.
Utilizing a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the child's head in a stable position, which reduces this stress on their necks. In addition that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.
If you have a child younger than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed from rear-facing to forward-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether and the weight and height limitations for that seat.
When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limit you can allow them to be in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of their car seat. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to move into a booster seat.
Booster seat
There isn't a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster can increase the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder part of the belt in a way that it is near, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt must rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that provides 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 don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters.
Some boosters come with lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that one is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to hold them in their place. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors on your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness is risky. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in the event of a crash.
Back seat
Every child should use a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
After your baby outgrows the infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are usually used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will let you know how tall and heavy it can support.
All children older than 5 years old must be seated in a booster seat or a lap belt for a vehicle as much as possible. If not then they should use a back restraint in the middle of the back seat. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an airbag that is active. Putting children in the front seat could increase their chances of being injured during an accident because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to help with choosing and installing the right child safety seat. You can also determine whether your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test a seat, check to whether it has a return policy.