car seats by age [head to Lslv 168]

Car seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes however, they are all designed to safeguard children based on their age. It is recommended that children ride in their car seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.

When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that is resistant to staining, pieces that are removable and can be washed by machines, and hardware that wipes clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from injuries in a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the impact force over an area larger than the surface which reduces 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 that you keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat as specified by the manufacturer.

Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. In reality children's heads can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in an accident -- enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward earlier. It's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will change this. In the case of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with more force, which can cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can switch to a convertible car that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first and therefore it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will have to transition them to a booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. It is recommended to use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in a crash.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to switch their kids' car seats around as they get older because it seems more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

If you crash with the baby facing toward the rear, the neck is at risk. The head can be hit against the seat and cause permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet one year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or in front of the window during a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is traveling the head may be pulled into the seat and could fracture 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 is that children who are younger do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most serious type of newborn car seat insert accident.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head in place, reducing neck strain. A rear facing infant car seat-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be turned from facing forward to rear at any time, 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 seat.

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

Booster seat

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

A booster raises a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt must be set so that it sits close to the chest, but not over. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.

Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most popular type is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive, but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether, in the event that it is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors in your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.

Some parents may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat because the child is becoming too tall to fit in the harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from the harness. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during an accident.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back of a car as long as they can, using a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat, you can switch 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. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child is at the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.

All older children should be in a booster seat or vehicle's lap belt at the very least. If they can't, they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.

It is a good infant car seats idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in deciding on and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.