Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, they are all designed to safeguard children according to their age. It's recommended that children ride in their seats until they meet the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.
If you are looking for a new seat look for features like fabric that resists stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should be taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact over an area larger than the surface, which limits spinal cord injuries.
Parents are often tempted by the idea of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat after 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 body, and growing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. In fact the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- more than enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat facing to the side are at a higher chance of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and can make the transition to a car seat that faces forward earlier. However, it's important to realize that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a 5th percentile kid and no amount of push-ups for teens can change this. In the event of a 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 seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions from the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will need to move them into an adult booster. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that informs you whether the seat is installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in the event of a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats when they get older because it's more convenient. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
In a crash with a baby facing forward the neck could be at risk. The head could be hit against the seat and cause permanent spine damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to land their head on the dashboard or window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the vehicle is moving the head could be forced into the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year old. best car seat newborn uk Push Chairs & Prams is because younger kids do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which is often the most serious kind of accident in which cars are involved.
The use of a harness or tether while rear-facing helps to keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces stress on their necks. Furthermore, a rear-facing child is less likely to sustain head injuries since the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
If you have a child younger than one year old 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 to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing limit of a car seat you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to travel in a booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no set age or size at which kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until their vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could take between the ages of 8 and 13.
A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt so it lies close to but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide that helps to ensure that the belt is placed correctly.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most common type 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 are cheaper however they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to 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.
Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that it is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to hold them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to see if you can use the lower anchors inside your car, and also read the booster seat instructions to learn how to use them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 pounds child take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for the car seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from the harness. If the belt is too loose, children can be seriously injured or even die in a collision.
Back seat
All children should have a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed as long as they can. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded its weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing child restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.
After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat, you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with an option to rear-facing. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to 2 years or until your child outgrows the seat's height and weight limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle 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 place them in a forward-facing restraint with a harness. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches tall or until your child is at the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it is able to support.
All children older than 5 years old should be in the booster seat or on a vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If they aren't able to, they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an airbag that is active. Sitting children in the front seat can increase the chance of injury in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.
It is a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also check if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test a seat, check to whether it has a return policy.