Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to protect children according to their age. It is recommended that children sit in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.

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Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats by age seat cradles babies and toddlers protecting their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They're also safer as they spread the impact force over more of a larger area, which limits spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as it is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Children's heads are big in relation to their bodies and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident that is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who sit in a car seat with their backs towards the front are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks than their older children, meaning they'll be able to transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups will change this. In the event of a best car seat for newborn uk crash, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll have to get them into a booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that informs you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. It is best car seat infant to use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats when they grow older, because it is more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children.

If you crash with an infant facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head can be placed against the seat and cause permanent spine damage. Whiplash can happen even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under one year old.

A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in an accident. Based on the kind of crash is occurring and the speed at which the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This can cause fractures to the skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. The reason for this is that children who are younger do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most serious kind of car crash.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. In addition that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is cushioned with 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 forward-facing to rear-facing be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.

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

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or height at which children are able to safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat should be used until a child's belt fits properly. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder part of the belt so it is near, but not over, the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats include belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is properly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a backrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't 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 boosters.

Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether if available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for a car seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child out of the harness is dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during the event of a crash.

Back seat

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

When your baby is no longer in an best infant car seat car seat they can be moved to a convertible or all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing seat. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. If you own a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can place them in a front-facing restraint with a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches tall or until your child outgrows the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will let you know the height and weight it can be.

All children older than 5 years old must be seated in the booster seat or on a vehicle's lap belt at the very least. If they can't, they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition you should not place them in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Putting children in the front seat could increase the chance of getting injured in an accident because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.

It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat has been recalled due to problems or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat prior to purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.