Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is specifically designed to fit a certain age group. It is recommended that children ride in their car seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.

When shopping for a new car seat, think about features like fabric that can withstand staining, pieces that are removable and can be washed by machines, and accessories that can be cleaned.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers protecting their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They're also safer because they spread the force of impact across more of a larger area, which limits 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 that you keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their height or weight limit of their current seat as stated by the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge in relation to their bodies and growing. This makes them vulnerable to injury in a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who are in a car seat facing towards the front are at the highest danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their children have bigger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. But it's important to remember that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids, and no amount of teen push-ups can alter this. In the event of a crash the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be struck with more force. This can result in brain and spinal cord injury.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible car seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Typically, children be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your best car seat infant seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.

If your child has reached their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you will need to move them into a booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to notify you when the seat has been properly installed and is able for flipping into forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the best car seats for newborns uk protection for your child in a crash.

forward facing infant car seat-facing

Parents are often enticed to flip their baby seat's car seat as they get older, as it's more practical. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing is safer for children.

In the event of a crash that involves the baby facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat by force and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants.

A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in the event of a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is moving the head could be pulled backwards against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. This is due to the fact that younger children don't have the neck strength to withstand the forces in a head-on collision, which is the most severe kind of accident in which automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head stable and reduce neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries because the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old, and they are 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 when it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will tell you whether or not to use a tether as well as the weight and height limitations for that particular seat.

Once your child has reached the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. When they've reached that point, it's time to travel with a booster.

Seat booster

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

A booster increases the height of a child so that they can sit comfortably upright in a car. The shoulder part of a belt is placed so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats have belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a backrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as boosters.

Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in position. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors in your car, and also read the booster seat instructions to learn how to use them.

Parents may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat because the child is becoming too tall to fit into a harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" the child from the harness. If the belt is loose, children can be seriously injured or even killed in an accident.

Back seat

All children should ride in the back of a car for as long as they can, using a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the limits of its weight and height they should change to a forward-facing restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat cheap car seat you can move them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats are usually good for two years or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat in a way that it is secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or exceeds the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or by examining the tag that is attached to it.

If possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. They can also check if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then choose a seat that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing, make sure it has an exchange policy.