Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but each one is designed to protect children according to their age. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.
When you are looking for a new car seat, think about features such as fabric that resists stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a collision. They're also safer as they distribute the force of impact over a larger surface area, which limits injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing their children forward facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. This means that they should move to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their height or weight limit of their current seat, as specified by the manufacturer.
Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies and still growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the greatest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat that is facing the front.
Many parents think that their children have stronger necks than older children, which means they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to realize that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid and no amount of teen push-ups can change that. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with greater force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible seat that allows them to stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children typically attain their maximum height first. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child is at the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you'll need to move them to the booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to inform you when the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats when they grow older because it seems more convenient. However, they must remember, that rear-facing is the best option for children.
In the event of a crash that involves an infant facing forward, the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the 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 especially true for younger children, such as infants.
A child who is facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in an accident. Based on the kind of crash is occurring and the speed at which the car is moving, the head could be hit against the seat. This could result in a fractured 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 is that younger children don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous kind of car accident.
Utilizing a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable, which reduces this stress on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries because the impact is cushioned by their 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 forward-facing to rear-facing 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 to use a tether, as well as the height and weight limits for that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel with a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to move into the booster seat.
Booster seat
There isn't a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until their vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could take anytime between age 8 and 13.
A booster helps a child increase their height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt must be positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most common 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 less expensive however they do not provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for kids in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat for 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. Others require the seat belt to secure them in place. You can check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.
Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness is dangerous. If the belt is too loose children could be severely injured or even die in an accident.
Back seat
visit this web-site should use a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed as long as they can. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have exceeded its height and weight limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
When your baby is no longer in an infant car seat they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing position. These seats can typically be used up to two years, or until your child outgrows the seat's maximum height and weight limit. If you own a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat in a way that it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed into a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. In general, these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child reaches the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.
All older children should be seated in the booster seat or on a lap belt in the vehicle at the very least. If they aren't able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to suffer injuries in a collision because their bodies are smaller.
It's a good idea bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also find out if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you can't try out a seat, check to see if it has a policy for refunds.