Car Seats by Age

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

When shopping for a new car seats by age seat, think about features such as fabric that is resistant to stains, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, securing their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They're also safer as they spread the force of impact across more of a larger area which reduces injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted by the thought of moving their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat as stated by the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies. They are also developing, making them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times their body weight in an accident that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they sit in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward faster. However, it's important to keep in mind that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any stronger than the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups can change that. In the event of a car accident the head of a bigger child is more likely to be hit with more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

If your child is outgrowing their top rated infant car seats car seat you can convert them to a convertible car that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to switch to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved to the booster. Most booster seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that will inform you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats around as they grow older, because it seems more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are the best car seats option for children.

In the event of a crash that involves an infant facing forward the neck is at risk. The head can be placed against the seat by force and cause permanent spine damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly true for younger children, such as infants.

A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window, in an accident. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This could result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason for this is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous type of car accident.

Utilizing a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to 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 since the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

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

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limit, they can be in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top rated baby car seats weight limit or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've reached that point, the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

There is no set age or size at which kids can safely stop using a booster seat. Kids should use one until the belt is properly fitted and that could happen anytime between age 8 and 13.

A booster raises a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also set so that it sits close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide to ensure the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable however they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to 65 pounds and then as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.

Some boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that it is available. Some require the car seat belt to hold them in their place. Check your vehicle's manual to see if you can use the lower anchors on your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is growing too tall to fit into a harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from to a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in an accident.

Back seat

All children should have the child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have surpassed its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.

Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats with the option of rear-facing. Usually, these seats can be used for up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's maximum weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child reaches the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by looking at the tag on the seat.

If possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not, they should use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured during a collision because their bodies are smaller.

You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're unable to try a seat, check to see if it has a return policy.