Car Seats by AgeCar seats are available in a variety sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children based on their age. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.
When looking for a brand new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that resists staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and accessories that can be cleaned.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing
car seat newborn insert seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer, as they disperse the force of an impact across a wider area. This helps reduce 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 rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to go forward-facing.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who sit in a car seat that is facing forward are at the greatest risk of fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter this. In the event of a crash, a larger child's head will likely be struck with greater force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can switch them into a convertible car seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Typically, children attain their maximum height first, so it's important to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.
When your child is at the weight limit of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will require them to be moved to the booster. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that will inform you whether the seat is installed and ready to change to face forward. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed to flip their baby's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
A baby who is facing forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head could be thrown against the seat's front and can cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants.
A child who is facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in an accident. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving, the head may be hit against the seat. This could result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.
The current safety standards demand that kids remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year of age. This is because children younger than one year do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces in a head-on collision which is the most serious kind of accident in which cars are involved.
The harness and tether will help keep the child's head in place and reduce neck strain. Additionally that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to suffer head injuries because the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
If you have a child less than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any time, 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 to use a tether as well as the height and weight limits for that seat.
Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel in a forward-facing car seat with tether. Once they've outgrown it you can now take them on a trip with a booster.
Booster seat
There isn't a set age or height at which children can safely stop using a booster seat. Kids should use it until the belt is properly fitted, and that can happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster raises the height of a child so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also placed so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back that offers neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are cheaper however they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.
Some boosters have 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 secure them in place. Check your vehicle's manual to see if you can use the lower anchors inside your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Some 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 to fit into the harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even die in an accident.
Back seat
Every child should use 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 exceeded its weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.
After your
lightweight baby car seat outgrows an
infant car seat in front seat newborn car seat seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has an open rear-facing position. These seats can typically be used up to 2 years or until your child reaches the seat's highest weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are typically used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by examining the tag on it.
All older children should be in a booster seat or a lap belt in the vehicle as much as possible. If not then they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat when there's an active air bag. Placing children in the front seats can increase the chance of being injured during an accident, as the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic for assistance in selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. They can also see if your child's car seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then buy one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you're not able to try a seat before buying ensure that it comes with a return policy.
