Car Seats by Age

Car seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect children according to their age. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.

When you are searching for a new seat look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They also offer greater safety, since they spread the force of impact over a larger area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed to shift their children 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. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current seat, as specified by the manufacturer.

Children's heads are large relative to their bodies and still growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In fact, a child's head could generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in a collision -- enough to cause a deadly injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward earlier. However, it's important to keep in mind that a 95th percentile baby isn't any more powerful than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of push-ups for teens can change that. In the case of a car seats newborn accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with greater force, which can cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat swivel car seat, you can convert to a convertible car seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. In general, children will be the first to reach their height limit, so it's important to pay close attention to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to change to forward-facing mode.

If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to put them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator for angles to notify you that the seat is properly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats when they grow older because it seems more practical. But they should remember that rear-facing seats are the best option for children.

A baby who is facing forward in car seats puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head could be thrown back by force against the seat in front and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet a year old.

A child facing the forward is more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or on the window in the event of the course of a crash. Based on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head could be pushed against the seat. This can result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards mandate that kids 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 forces involved in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most serious kind of accident where automobiles are involved.

Using a harness and tether when rear-facing helps ensure that the child's head is stable, which reduces this strain on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be turned from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, you should read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine when 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 particular seat.

When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to travel in the booster seat.

Seat booster

There is no age or height limit at which children are safe from using booster seats. Kids should use it until the belt fits them properly, and that can happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.

A booster increases the height of a child so that they can sit upright in cars. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so that it is close to but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide to ensure the belt is properly placed.

Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most popular type is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, but they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as boosters.

Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when available. Some boosters require the seat belt to hold them in place. You can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to find out if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.

Some parents may be tempted to let their three-year-old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" the child from a harness. If the belt is not secure enough, children can be seriously injured or even killed in a collision.

Back seat

All children should be in the back seat of a vehicle for as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown its weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

After your baby outgrows an infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or all-in-one infant car seat in front seat seat that also has a rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so it can be secured tightly in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a forward-facing restraint with a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child is at the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it is able to support.

If you can the older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. 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 of the car if the airbag is in use. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

It is a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the best car seats newborn child safety seat for them. They can also see if your child's car seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then buy one that is compatible with your car and the child's height. If you're unable to try a seat, check to find out if the seat has a return policy.