Car Seats By Age (
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Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, they are all designed to safeguard children according to their age. Children should use their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they can use a booster until their 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 like fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that are removable that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from injuries in a crash. They are also safer, because they distribute the impact force over a larger area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing as long as you can. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to move forward-facing.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body, and growing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who are in a car seat facing to the side are at a higher risk of fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will change that. In the event of a car crash the head of a bigger child will likely be hit with more force. This can lead to brain and spinal cord injury.
When your child outgrows their
infant car seat that swivels car seat, you can switch to a convertible car seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. This is why it is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will need to move them into a booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to let you know when the seat has been correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the
best car seat for newborn security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats around when they grow older, because it's more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
Having a baby face forward in the car seat puts their necks in danger in the event of a crash, as the head can be thrown back by force against the front seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet one year old.
A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in a crash. Depending on the type of crash occurs and the speed at which the car is moving, the head may be hit against the seat. This could result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.
The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is because younger kids do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is the most severe kind of accident where cars 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 rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child younger than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be turned from forward-facing to rear-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 manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for the particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. Once they've outgrown it, it's time to travel with a booster.
Booster seat
There isn't a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster raises a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap portion of the belt must rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles with low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters can be less expensive however they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.
Some boosters have lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether if one is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in place. You can 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 understand how to use it.
Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat because the child is growing too tall to fit into the harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from to a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in a crash.
Back seat
All children should use the child safety or booster seat installed correctly as long as they can. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or who have exceeded the weight and height limits, should switch to a forward facing child restraint with harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.
When your child is no longer able to fit in the
infant carrier seat car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you own a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them into a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child is 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can determine the height and weight of the car seat is by studying the instructions of the manufacturer, or by looking at the tag that is attached to it.
All children over the age of 18 should be in the booster seat or on a vehicle's lap belt as much as possible. If they can't, they should use the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is active. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to suffer injuries in a collision because their bodies are smaller.
It's a good idea take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. They can also check to find out if your child's seat has been removed due to safety issues or defects. You can then choose a seat that fits both your vehicle and the child's height. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.