Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made for a specific age group. It's recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.

When you are searching for a new seat look for features like fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer as they disperse the force of an impact over a larger area. This reduces the risk of the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

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

Children's head are large in relation to their body and is still developing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. In fact the head of a child can generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in an accident -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks than older kids, so they can handle the transition to a forward-facing best car seat for newborn uk seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid and no amount of push-ups for teens can change that. In the case of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can switch them into a convertible car seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children typically attain their maximum height first. This is why it is essential to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer of your car seat on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to place them in an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that tells you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. It is recommended to use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in the event of a crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed to flip their baby's car seat around as they grow older, as it's more convenient. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

If you crash with an infant facing forward, the neck could be at risk. The head could be placed against the seat and cause permanent spine damage. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible to suffer whiplash. This is particularly true for smaller kids, like infants under a year old.

A child facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in the event of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the car is traveling the head could be pulled into the seat and break the skull or the spinal cord.

The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason for this is that children younger than one year old don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head in place which reduces neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to suffer head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be changed from facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height is for the particular seat.

Once your child is at the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel with a forward-facing seat with tether. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to move into a booster seat.

Seat booster

There is no magic age or height at which children can safely stop using the booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until their vehicle belt fits them properly and that could happen between the ages of 8 and 13.

A booster can increase the height of a child, so that they can sit upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt is placed so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back, which provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they don't offer neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode up to about 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.

Some boosters come with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors, and a tether in the event that one is available. Some require the car seat belt to secure them in place. You can refer to the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if can use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Some parents may be tempted to let their 3 year old 30 pounds child go straight to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the harness car seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from the harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even die in a collision.

Back seat

All children should use a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat newborn insert seat, or have outgrown its height and weight limits should move to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

When your top rated baby car seats is no longer in the infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing seat. These seats can typically be used up to 2 years or until your child outgrows the seat's highest height and weight limit. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it can be secured tightly in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a front-facing restraint with a harness. These seats are usually used until your child is the height of 57 inches or reaches the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. You can find out the height and weight of the car seat is by studying the manufacturer's instructions, or looking at the tag on it.

If you can the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not you can use a back seat restraint located in the middle of the back seat. Also, they should not sit in front if the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic for assistance in choosing and installing the right child safety seat. You can also determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or flaws. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're not able try a seat before buying, make sure it has a return policy.