Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to safeguard children according to their age. It's recommended that children ride in their car seat until they reach 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 tall or the age of 10-12.
When shopping for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that can withstand staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and equipment that is easy to clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They're also safer because they spread the force of impact across more of a larger area, which limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing for as long as you can. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to move forward-facing.
Children's heads are big in relation to their bodies and growing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality children's heads can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they are in a front-facing car seat.
Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. It's important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a child who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups performed by teens can change the fact that. In the event of a car accident the head of a larger child is likely to hit with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.
When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can change them into a convertible car seat that lets them remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children usually attain their maximum height first. This is why it is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the car seat on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to put them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to let you know when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in the event of a crash.
Forward-facing
Parents are often tempted to flip their baby's car seat around as they grow older, as it's more practical. However, they must remember, that rear-facing is a safer option for children.
In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head can be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can happen even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under a year old.
A child facing the forward is more likely to strike their head against the dashboard or window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving the head may be hit against the seat. This could result in fractured skulls or a spinal cord.
The current safety standards demand that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. This is because younger kids don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which is the most severe kind of accident where automobiles are involved.
The use of a harness or tether when facing rear helps keep the child's head in a stable position, which reduces this strain on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular seat.
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limitation, they can travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of their car seat. When they've outgrown this, it is time to travel in the booster seat.
Seat booster
There isn't a set age or height at which children are able to safely stop using the booster seat. Kids should use one until their vehicle belt fits them properly and that could happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster elevates a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also placed so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to help ensure the belt is properly positioned.
Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most common type is a high-back booster, which provides head and neck support for children. infant car seats is a great option for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable but they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds, and later as an adult booster seat until 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether when available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in place. You can check the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.
Parents may be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for the car seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness is risky. If the belt is not secure enough, children can be seriously injured or even die in a collision.
Back seat
Every child should use a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or who have exceeded its weight and height limits, should switch to a forward-facing restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.
When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to two years or until your child is over the seat's highest weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat you can place them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches tall or until your child reaches the top height and weight recommendations of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by studying the instructions of the manufacturer, or by looking at a tag attached to it.
All children over the age of 18 must be seated in the booster seat or on a vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front of the car if the airbag is activated. Placing children in the front seat can increase the chance of being injured during an accident because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.
It is a good idea to bring 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 determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then choose a seat that is compatible with your vehicle and child's height. If you are unable to test a seat, find out if the seat has a refund policy.