See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Car Seats by Age
Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect children based on their age. Children should ride in their car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they are able to use a booster until their belts of their vehicle fit properly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When you are searching for a new seat, look for features like fabric that resists stains and pieces that are removable that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from injuries in a crash. They are also safer, since they distribute the impact force over a greater area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward-facing.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in the event of a collision that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents think that their kiddos have bigger necks than their older children, meaning they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids, and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the case of a newborn car seat accident, the head of a bigger child is more likely to be hit with much more force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries.
When your child outgrows their infant car seat travel car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. So, it's important to follow the instructions of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
If your child has reached their convertible car seat's weight or maximum height, you will require them to be moved to a booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat is correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your car and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed by the idea of flip their baby's car seat around as they grow older, simply because it's more comfortable. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
A baby who is facing forward in car seats puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head could be thrown against the front seat and cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to suffer whiplash. This is especially true for smaller kids that aren't yet a year old.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to strike their head against the dashboard or window during the course of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the head can be pushed backwards against the seat and break the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards mandate that children remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year of age. This is because younger kids do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which is often the most serious kind of accident in which automobiles are involved.
The use of a harness or tether when rear-facing helps ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces strain on their necks. Furthermore that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
If you have a child younger than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed from facing forward to rear at any time, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limitations for that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the rear-facing car seat limit They can now be in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to travel in a booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no magic age or size at which kids can safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster raises a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder part of the belt so that it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide to ensure the belt is properly placed.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most popular booster seat is the high-back that offers neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to keep them in place. Go through the manual of your car seat newborn to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.
Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old 30 lbs child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for a car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. 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 of a vehicle for as long as they can, using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing best car seats newborn seat or have exceeded its weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
When your baby is no longer in an infant car seat in front seat car seat they can be transferred to a convertible or all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing position. These seats are generally good 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 is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child outgrows the weight and height limits of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the manufacturer's instructions, or by examining the tag that is attached to it.
If possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not, they should use a back restraint in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Sitting children in the front seats can increase the chance of being injured during a crash, because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat has been recalled due to defects or safety issues. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat, whether it has a policy for refunds.
