Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then get a booster seat until their vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or the age of 10-12.

When shopping for a new car seat, consider features like fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from a crash. They also offer greater safety, because they distribute the impact force across a wider area. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing 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 you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their maximum weight or height of their current seat, as specified by the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies and still developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. In reality the head of a child can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in the event of a collision. This is enough to cause a deadly injury. This is why children are at risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents think that their kids have necks that are stronger than older children, which means they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to keep in mind that a 95th percentile top rated baby car seats (https://beetriver31.bravejournal.Net/this-weeks-most-popular-stories-about-car-seat-for-newborn) isn't any stronger than the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups can change this. In the case of a car accident the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be struck with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat newborn car seat, you can change to a convertible seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to place them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to inform you when the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats when they grow older, because it's more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.

If you crash with an infant car seat cheap facing towards the front the neck is at risk. The head can be hit against the seat and cause permanent spinal damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.

A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a glass in an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the head can be forced back against the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord.

Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year of age. This is because children younger than one year don't have the neck strength to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which is often the most severe kind of accident in which cars are involved.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.

When you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can change from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether and the height and weight limits for that particular seat.

Once your child has reached the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel with a forward-facing seat with tether. When they've outgrown this, it is time to move into the booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster can increase the height of a child to ensure that they can sit comfortably upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also set so that it sits close to the chest, but not over. 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 come with or without a backrest. The most common type is a high-back booster, which provides head and neck support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they do not provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as boosters.

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

Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall to fit into a harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from a harness. If the belt is too loose children could be seriously injured or even die in a collision.

Back seat

Every child should use a 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 that has a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.

When your baby is no longer in an infant car seat they can be moved to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that has an open rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a forward-facing restraint with a harness. The majority of these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child is at the height and weight recommendations of the seat. You can determine the height and weight of the car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or by looking at the tag that is attached to the seat.

If you can the older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If not you can use a back seat restraint located in the middle of the back seat. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Putting children in the front seat can increase the chance of injury in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

You can take your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best infant carrier car seat child safety seat. You can also determine if your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with a return policy.