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car seats by age (Highly recommended Reading)

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

When looking for a new seat look for features like fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should be taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, securing their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the force of impact over more of a larger area which reduces the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted by the idea 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 you can. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to transition forward.

Children's heads are big in relation to their bodies and growing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality, a child's head 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 who sit in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

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

When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can convert them to a convertible car that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you'll require them to be moved into a booster. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that tells you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often tempted to change their baby's car seat around as they grow older, because it is more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children.

In a crash with an infant car seat cheap facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat by force and cause permanent spinal damage. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet one year old.

A child facing the forward is more likely to land their head against the dashboard or window during a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is traveling the head may be pushed back against the seat and break the skull or spinal cord.

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 crash which is the most serious type of car accident.

Utilizing a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces the stress on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to sustain head injuries, as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a baby less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for the specific seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limit, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with tether and harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster can increase the height of a child so that they are able to sit upright in cars. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt in a way that it is close to but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guides to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats are available with or without a backrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.

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

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 can be dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in a crash.

Back seat

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

After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat newborn car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats with an option to rear-facing. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you own a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured in this position using the lower anchor system or 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. In general, these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child reaches the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can support.

If it is possible, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If not you can use a back restraint located in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Putting children in the front seats can increase the chance of injury in a crash, because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic for assistance in selecting and installing the best child safety seat. They can also see if your child's car seat for newborn seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. You can then purchase one that fits both your car and the child's height. If you are unable to test the seat, whether it has a return policy.