Car Seats by Age

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

When you are searching for a new seat look for features such as fabric that resists stains and removable pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They are also safer since they distribute the impact force over more of a larger area, which limits spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward.

Children's head are large in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in an accident, which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks than their older children, meaning they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. It's important to keep it in mind that a child who is 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a child who's 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups performed by teens can change that. In the case of a car accident the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be struck with greater force. This can result in brain and spinal cord injury.

If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can convert them to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. This is why it is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child is at the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will have to transition them to a booster. Most booster seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that will inform you whether the seat is installed and is ready to switch into 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 ensure the best car seat newborn protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often tempted to turn their child's car seat as they get older, because it is more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are the best option for children.

The fact that a child is facing forward in the car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head can be thrown against the front seat and can cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller, like infants under one year old.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head on the dashboard or on the window in the event of an accident. Based on the type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This can result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.

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

Using a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces the strain 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 less than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be changed from rear-facing to forward-facing 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 from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height are for the particular seat.

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limit They can now be in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. When they've outgrown this, it's time to travel in a booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until a child's vehicle belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster raises a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder part of the belt so it lies close to but not over the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles with low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they do not provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

Some boosters are equipped with lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors, and a tether in the event that one is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. You can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to find out if you can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for a car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from to a harness. If the belt is loose children could be severely injured or even killed in a crash.

Back seat

All children should be in the back seat of a car for as long as possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat or have surpassed its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown an infant car seats best car seat, you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats typically last for two years or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. These seats are typically used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a tag on the car seat will tell you how tall and heavy it is able to support.

If it is possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition you should not place them in the front seat if there's an air bag that is in use. Sitting children in the front seat could increase their chances of being injured during a crash, because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best car seat for newborn uk child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, find out if the seat has a return policy.