Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, they are all designed to protect children based on their age. Children should ride in their car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they are able to use a booster until the belts are properly fitted and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When looking for a new seat, look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be considered.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers protecting their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the force of impact over more of a larger area which minimizes the risk of injuries 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 to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to transition forward.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies. They are also developing, making them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In reality, a child's head can exert up to 25 times the force of their weight in an accident -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat that is facing to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their kiddos have bigger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to keep in mind that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups can alter the fact that. In the case of a car crash, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seats on sale car seat, you can change them into a convertible car seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. This is why it is crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you will have to transition them to the booster. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to let you know when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best car seat for newborn uk protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to change their children's car seats around as they grow older, because it is more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

If you crash with an infant facing towards the front, the neck could be at risk. The head could be hit against the seat by force and cause permanent spinal damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly true for smaller kids that aren't yet one year old.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head against the dashboard or in front of the window during a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the car is moving the head could be forced backwards against the seat and break the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. The reason is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most dangerous kind of car accident.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. In addition the rear-facing child 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 under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height are for that particular seat.

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limit, they can be in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've reached that point, it's time to travel with a booster.

Booster seat

There is no age or height limit when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster raises the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also placed so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster, that provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that one is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for the car seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from the harness. If the belt is too loose children could be severely injured or even killed in a crash.

Back seat

All children should use a child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits should transition to a forward facing infant car seat-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats with an option to rear-facing. Usually, these seats can be used up to 2 years or until your child outgrows the seat's maximum weight and height limit. If you have a vehicle with a middle seat, install the car safety seat so it is secured in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seats, you can place them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. These seats are generally used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or by looking at a tag attached to the seat.

If it is possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to suffer injuries in a collision because their bodies are smaller.

It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. You can also determine if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your car and the child's height. If you're unable to test a seat prior to purchasing, make sure it has an exchange policy.