See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of
Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes however, they are all designed to safeguard children according to their age. It's recommended that children ride in their car seat until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.
When you are searching for a new seat, look for features like fabric that resists stains and pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, securing their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact across an area larger than the surface, which limits the risk of 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 that you keep them in rear-facing as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat as specified by the manufacturer.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies and still growing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head is capable of generating up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat facing forward are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents think that their children have bigger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't any more powerful than 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter this. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head will likely be struck with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.
If your child is outgrowing their infant car seats car seat, you can switch to a convertible car that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Typically, children reach the height limit first and it's crucial 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 or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into a booster seat. Most booster seats have a built-in angle indicator that tells you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your vehicle and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best infant car seat security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats around as they grow older because it seems more convenient. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are an option that is safer for children.
In the event of a crash that involves an infant facing forward the neck could be at risk. The head can be hit against the seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet one year old.
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. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is traveling the head may be forced backwards against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. This is because younger kids do not have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is often the most serious kind of accident where cars are involved.
The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing be sure to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to face the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to move into a booster seat.
Seat booster
There is no age limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. Kids should use it until the vehicle belt fits them properly and that could happen between the ages of 8 and 13.
A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly placed.
Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable however they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as boosters.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, if available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and read the booster seat instructions to learn how to use them.
Some parents might 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. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from a harness. If the belt is loose children could be seriously injured or even killed in a collision.
Back seat
All children should be in the back seat of a vehicle for as long as possible, using a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown the weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too 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 an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. Usually, 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 of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or by examining the tag that is attached to it.
If you can it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 sit in a booster or lap belt. If they can't then 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. Sitting children in the front seat could increase their chances of injury in a crash, because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the best car seat newborn child safety seat. You can also determine if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then choose a seat that is compatible with your vehicle and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.
