Car Seats by Age

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

When looking for a brand new car seat, consider features like fabric that can withstand stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact across more of a larger area which reduces spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed to move their kids 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 is possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat when they've reached their maximum weight or height of their current car seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Children's head are large in relation to their body and growing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. In reality the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in an accident -- more than enough to cause a deadly injury. That's why young children are at the greatest risk for fatal head trauma when they ride in a front-facing car seat.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward sooner. But it's important to remember that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't as strong as 5th percentile kids, and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter the fact that. In the case of a car crash, a bigger kid's head is likely to be struck with more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat swivel car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines 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 need to put them in an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that will inform you whether the seat is installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to turn their babies' car seats around as they grow older, because it is more convenient. However, they must remember that rear-facing is the best car seat newborn uk option for children.

If you crash with a baby facing towards the front the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly relevant for children younger than them like infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to strike their head against the dashboard or window in the event of a crash. Depending on the kind of crash is occurring and the speed at which the car is moving, the head may be placed against the seat. This can result in fractured skulls or a spinal chord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason is that younger children 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 aid in keeping the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. Furthermore, a rear-facing child is less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

If you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing, make sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height is 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, the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

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

A booster increases the height of a child to ensure that they can sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder portion of the belt so that it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt must rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is placed correctly.

Booster seats come with or without a backrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back that offers neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable however they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat up to 100 pounds.

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

Some parents might be tempted to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat because the child is getting too tall to fit into a harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness is risky. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in the event of a crash.

Back seat

All children should ride in the back of a vehicle for as long as possible with 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 its weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown an infant car seats that swivel car seat you can move them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seats with the option of rear-facing. These seats can typically be used up to two years or until your child is over the seat's maximum height and weight limit. If you own a car with a middle seat, install the car safety seat in a way that it can be secured tightly to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the height and weight recommendations of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the manufacturer's instructions, or by examining a tag attached to it.

If you can it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 sit in a booster or lap belt. If they aren't able to, they should use the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front of the car if the airbag is activated. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in a collision because their bodies are smaller.

It's a good infant car seats idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the best car seats newborn child safety seat. They can also determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test a seat, check to see if it has a return policy.