Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is designed to fit a certain age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.
When shopping 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 seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from injuries in 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 enticed by the idea of change their children to 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. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat only when they've reached their maximum weight or height of their current seat, as stated by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge in relation to their bodies and is still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. In reality the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in an accident -- more than enough to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front.
Many parents think that their kiddos have bigger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. It's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile of their age isn't stronger than a child who's 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens will change the fact that. In the event of a car crash, the head of a larger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.
If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children typically reach their maximum height first. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the car seat on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into a booster seat. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that will inform you when the seat is properly installed and ready to flip to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in the event of a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats around when they get older because it's more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing is a safer option for children.
In the event of a crash that involves the baby facing toward the rear 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 when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger like infants.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling the head could be pulled back against the seat and break the skull or the spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and one year old. The reason is that younger children don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous kind of car accident.
The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head in place which reduces neck strain. In addition, a rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries because the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
When you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to face the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the weight and height limits for that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with tether. Once they've outgrown it, the time is now to move on to a booster.
Booster seat
There is no set age or height at which children are able to safely stop using a booster seat. Kids should use one until their vehicle belt fits them properly, and that can happen between the ages of 8 and 13.
A booster elevates a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is set so that it sits close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt should lie on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster which provides head and neck support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. best car seats for newborns www.pushchairsandprams.uk can be less expensive but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat for 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether if available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in position. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to see if you can use the lower anchors inside your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for a car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness is risky. If the belt is too loose children could be severely injured or even die in a collision.
Back seat
All children should be in the back of a vehicle for as long as they can using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown the weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
When your child is no longer able to fit in an infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing seat. These seats can typically be used up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's weight and height limit. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat in a way that it can be secured tightly in this location with 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 using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child is at the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it is able to support.
If it is possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 sit in a booster or lap belt. If not then they should use a back seat restraint located in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat if there is an airbag that is active. Placing children in the front seat can increase the chance of injury in an accident because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best child safety seat. You can also see if your child's car seat has been removed due to safety issues or defects. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you can't try out a seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.