Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. It's recommended that children ride in their seat until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.

When looking for a brand new car seat, think about features such as fabric that can withstand staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They're also safer because they spread the force of impact across a larger surface area, which limits spinal cord injuries.

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 possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward.

Children's head are large in relation to their body, and growing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision that is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. That's why young children are at the highest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they ride 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. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a child who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups performed by teens can change the fact that. In the case of a car accident the head of a child with a bigger size is likely to be hit with greater force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat best car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach the 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.

If your child is at the weight limit or height of their convertible car seats by age seat, you'll need to get them into a booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to inform you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best car seats for newborns uk security for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often tempted to turn their child's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing seats are the best option for children.

In a crash with an infant facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly true for younger children, such as infants.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or in front of the window during the course of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the vehicle is moving the head could be pulled into the seat and break the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason for this is that children younger than one year old do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most serious kind of car accident.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head in place which reduces neck strain. In addition that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to sustain head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.

If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be turned from facing forward to rear at any point, make sure you read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height are for the particular seat.

Once your child is at the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel with a forward-facing seat with tether. When they've reached that point, the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

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

A booster increases the height of a child, so that they can sit upright in a car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt so it is close to but not directly over the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most popular model is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles with low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper but they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have 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 secure them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to find out if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3 year old, 30 pound child take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for the car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during a crash.

Back seat

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

After your baby outgrows an infant car seat uk car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a front-facing restraint with a harness. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by examining a tag attached to it.

If it is possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured during collisions since their bodies are smaller.

It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also find out whether your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. Then, you can purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with a return policy.