Car Seats By Age (Demo01.Zzart.Me)

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 a booster seat until vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.

If you are looking for a new seat consider features such as fabric that resists stains and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer, since they spread the force of impact over a greater area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

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. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to go forward.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them especially vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in an accident which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they are 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 facing forward sooner. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids and no amount of teen push-ups will change this. In the case of a car accident the head of a bigger child is likely to be hit with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

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

When your child reaches the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to notify you when the seat is properly installed and is able to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best security for your child.

Forward-facing

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

A baby who is facing forward facing infant car seat in car seats puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head can be thrown against the front seat and can cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet a year old.

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

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year of age. The reason for this is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most serious type of car accident.

Using a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to keep the kid's head stable and reduces stress on their necks. A child facing the rear will be less prone to 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 that can be changed from facing forward to rear at any time, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will inform you whether or not to use a tether, as well as the weight and height limits for the seat.

Once your child is at the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward facing infant car seat-facing seat that has a tether. Once they've outgrown it, it's time to travel with a booster.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or height when kids are able to safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until a child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster helps a child increase their height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt so that it is close to, but not over, the chest. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide to ensure that the belt is placed correctly.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most popular model is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. It is a great option for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, but they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.

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 boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. 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 know how to use it.

Some parents may be tempted to let their 3 year old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for a car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from to a harness. If the belt is loose children could be severely injured or even die in a crash.

Back seat

All children should have the child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown the weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown an infant car seats that swivel car seat you can switch them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats with a rear-facing option. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to 2 years or until your child outgrows 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 is secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child is at the top height and weight recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by looking at a tag attached to the seat.

All children over the age of 18 should be in the booster seat or on a lap belt for a vehicle as much as possible. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to help with choosing and installing the best child safety seat for them. You can also determine if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with a return policy.