Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. Children should be in their car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they are able to utilize a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When you are searching for a new chair, look for features such as fabric that resists stains and pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer because they distribute the impact force across a wider area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted by the idea of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward-facing.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In Pushchairs And Prams can exert up to 25 times the force of their body weight in an accident -- enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they are in a front-facing car seat.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks than older kids, so they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups can alter the fact that. In the case of a car accident the head of a bigger child is likely to be hit with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat you can switch to convertible cars that let them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. So, it's important to follow the instructions of the car seat manufacturer regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll need to put them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to notify you that the seat is correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your car and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats around when they grow older because it's more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
In a crash with a baby facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head could be hit against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are smaller, like infants under one year old.
A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in the event of a crash. Depending on what type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This can result in a fractured skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards demand that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is the most severe kind of accident where automobiles are involved.
The use of a harness or tether when facing rear helps keep the kid's head stable, which reduces this stress on their necks. A child facing the rear will be less prone to head injuries, as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can change from rear to forward-facing, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limitations for the seat.
When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now travel in a forward-facing seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.
Seat booster
There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt fits them properly and that could happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster helps a child increase their height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is set so that it sits close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should lie across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats include belt guides that help to ensure the belt is properly placed.
Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck 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. They can also be used as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.
Some boosters have 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. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to see if you can use the lower anchors on your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 lbs child immediately go to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for a car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from to a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in an accident.
Back seat
All children should have the child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits, should switch to a forward-facing restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height 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 has an open rear-facing position. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a front-facing restraint using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child outgrows the weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will let you know the height and weight it is able to support.
If you can the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not you can use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in a collision because their bodies are smaller.
It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the best child safety seat. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your vehicle and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing, make sure it has a return policy.