Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children according to their age. It is recommended that children sit in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.
When shopping for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that resists stains, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They're also safer as they distribute the force of impact across an area larger than the surface which minimizes injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current car seat, as specified by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. A child's head 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 a fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front.
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 sooner. It's important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens can change the fact that. In the event of a car crash, a bigger kid's head is likely to be struck with greater force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries.
If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Typically, children reach the height limit first and therefore it is important to follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to switch to forward-facing mode.
If your child is at the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in case of crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed to change their children's car seats around as they grow older, because it's more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing towards the front, the neck is at risk. The head can be placed against the seat by force and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can happen even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.
A child facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the vehicle is traveling the head could be pushed into the seat and may break the skull or the spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and 1 year of age. The reason for this is that younger children do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most serious kind of car accident.
The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady which reduces neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
When you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one 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 face the front. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the height and weight limits for that particular seat.
When your child is past 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 or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. When they've outgrown this, it is time to move into a booster seat.
Seat booster
There is no set age or size at which kids are able to safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until a child's vehicle belt fits properly. best car seats newborn could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster helps a child increase their height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt must be placed so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly positioned.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they don't offer neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat up to 100 pounds.
Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether if one is available. Others require the seat belt to secure them in position. Check your vehicle's owner's manual 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.
Some parents may be tempted to let their three-year-old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" children from to a harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even killed in a collision.
Back seat
All children should have a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.
After your baby outgrows an infant car seat they can be transferred to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat that also has an open rear-facing position. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's height and weight limit. If you own a car with a middle seat, install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or exceeds the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by examining the tag on the seat.
If possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 sit in a booster or lap belt. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during collisions because their bodies are smaller.
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. They can also check to determine if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then purchase one that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able try a seat before buying ensure that it comes with a return policy.