Car Seats by Age
Car seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes however, they are all designed to protect children according to their age. It is 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 their vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.
When you are searching for a new seat, consider features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that are removable that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, shielding their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer, because they disperse the force of an impact over a larger area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as is possible. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to go forward.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body and is still developing. This makes them vulnerable in a crash. In reality, a child's head could generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in an accident -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who sit in a car seat that is facing to the side are at a higher risk of fatal head injuries.
Many parents think that their kids have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a kid who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will change that. In the case of a car accident the head of a bigger child will likely be hit with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat you can convert them to convertible cars that let them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer of your car seat regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you'll require them to be moved to the booster. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that tells you when the seat is properly installed and ready to change to face forward. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to change their children's car seats when they grow older because it seems more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
If you crash with an infant facing towards the front, the neck is at risk. The head could be hit against the seat by force and cause permanent spinal damage. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.
A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the car is moving the head may be forced back against the seat and may break the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is because younger kids do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which tends to be the most severe kind of accident where cars are involved.
The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady which reduces neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to suffer head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child less than one year old in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed from facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular 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 with tether and harness until they reach the top weight limit or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to get a booster seat.
Seat booster
There is no age limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt fits them correctly, and that can happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster increases the height of a child so that they can sit upright in a car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so it is near but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should lie across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats have belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is placed 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. This is a good option for vehicles with low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper but they don't offer neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds. They can also be used as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that one is available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. You can refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for a car seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. If the belt is not secure enough children could be seriously injured or even die in a collision.
Back seat
best car seat should use the child safety or booster seat correctly installed as long as they can. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown its weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're 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 all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. Most of the time, these seats can be used for a period of up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's height and weight 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 position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seats, you can put them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. These seats are typically used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by examining a tag attached to the seat.
If possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Also, they should not sit in front if the airbag is in use. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions since 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 has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing, make sure it has an exchange policy.