Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. Children should use their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits. Then, they are able to use a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed and accessories that can be cleaned.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from a crash. They're also safer as they distribute the impact force over a larger surface area, which limits 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 to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge in relation to their bodies and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality children's heads can exert up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents think that their kiddos have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. However, it's important to realize that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the event of a car crash the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be hit with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible car seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will need to move them to an adult booster. Most booster seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that informs you when the seat is properly installed and ready to flip into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the rear of your vehicle and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best security for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to switch their kids' car seats around when they grow older because it is more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.

If you crash with an infant car seat for travel facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head could be thrown against the front seat and cause permanent spine damage. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially true for younger children like infants.

A child who is facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard, or even a glass in the event of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pulled backwards against the seat and may break the skull or the spinal cord.

The current safety standards demand that children remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason for this is that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most serious type of car accident.

Utilizing a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the kid's head stable and reduces the strain on their necks. Furthermore that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be turned from facing forward to rear at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The guidelines will explain whether or not you should use a tether as well as the height and weight limits for that particular seat.

When your child reaches 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've surpassed this, it is time to get the booster seat.

Seat booster

There is no set age or height at which children can safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt fits properly. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

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

Booster seats come with or without a backrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to 65 pounds and then as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.

Some boosters come with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, if one is available. Others require the seat belt to secure them in place. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors on your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Parents may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is growing too tall to fit into a harness seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness is dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during a crash.

Back seat

All children should be in the back seat of a car for as long as is possible using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward-facing child restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.

After your lightweight baby car seat has outgrown an infant car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. 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 is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are usually used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or attains the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seats newborn seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by looking at the tag on the seat.

If you can, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If not, they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. Additionally, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an airbag that is active. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the best child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat has been recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then choose a seat that is suitable for your vehicle and the child's height. If you are unable to test a seat, check to whether it has a refund policy.