See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Using

Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made to be suitable for a particular age group. Children should use their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. After that, they can use a booster until the belts are properly fitted and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When you are looking for a new car seat, consider features such as fabric that is resistant to staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They also offer greater safety, as they disperse the force of an impact across a wider area. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed to change their children to forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Children's heads are big in relation to their body and is still developing. This makes them vulnerable to injury in a crash. In reality children's heads can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- enough to cause a deadly injury. This is why children who are in a car seat that is facing to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their kiddos have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than the 5th percentile child, and no amount of teen push-ups can alter the fact that. In the case of a car accident, a bigger kid's head is likely to hit with greater force, which can cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. This is why it is crucial to follow the directions from the manufacturer of your car seat regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you will need to move them to a booster. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to inform you when the seat has been correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats when they grow older, because it's more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing is a safer option for children.

In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing towards the front, the neck could be at risk. The head could be placed against the seat and cause permanent spine damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller such as infants who are less than one year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to strike their head on the dashboard or in front of the window during a crash. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving, the head may be pushed against the seat. This could result in fractured skulls or a spinal chord.

The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and one year old. The reason for this is that children who are younger do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most serious kind of car accident.

The harness and tether help keep the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be turned from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe for them to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for the particular seat.

Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with a tether. When they've reached that point, the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or height at which children are able to safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat should 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 that they can sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt so it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is positioned correctly.

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. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper however they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters.

Some boosters are equipped with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that one is available. Others require the seat belt to keep them in position. Check your vehicle's manual to see if you can use the lower anchors on your vehicle, and then read the booster seat instructions to learn how to use them.

Some parents may be tempted to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for a car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during an accident.

Back seat

All children should ride in the back seat of a vehicle for as long as they can, using a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward-facing child restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.

After your baby outgrows the infant car seat cheap car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until the child reaches 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. You can find out the height and weight of the car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or by looking at the tag that is attached to it.

All children older than 5 years old must be seated in a booster seat or vehicle's lap belt at the very least. If they can't then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Putting children in the front seat could increase the chance of being injured during a crash, because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.

It's a good idea 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 check to see if your child's car seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then choose a seat that is suitable for your infant car seat for travel and the child's height. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing, make sure it has a return policy.