See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is designed for a specific age group. It is recommended that children sit in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.
When looking for a brand new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and equipment that is easy to clean.
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 disperse the force of an impact over a greater area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed to move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current car seat, as specified by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies. They are also developing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. The head of a child can generate up to 25 times their body weight in the event of a collision which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. That's why young children are at the highest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they ride 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 faster. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the case of a car accident, a bigger kid's head is likely to be struck with greater force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat rear facing car seat, you can change to a convertible car seat that lets them stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Generally, children will be the first to reach their height limit, so it's important to pay close attention to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when you should switch to forward-facing.
If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved into a booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to let you know when the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your vehicle and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best car seats for newborns protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed to change their children's car seats when they grow older, because it's more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing forward the neck could be at risk. The head could be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can happen even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly true for younger children, such as infants.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to land their head on the dashboard or on the window during the course of a crash. Based on the kind of crash takes place 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 cord.
The current safety standards demand that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. This is because children younger than one year don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which is often the most severe kind of accident where automobiles are involved.
The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head stable and reduce neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to sustain head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can switch from front-facing to rear ensure that you read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height are for that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now travel in a forward facing infant car seat-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've surpassed this, it's time to get a booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no set age or height at which children can safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster increases the height of a child so that they can sit comfortably upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder portion of the belt so it lies close to but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt must rest across 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 popular type is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, but they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters permit users to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds and then as an adult booster seat until about 100 pounds.
Some boosters have lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that one is available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors in your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child to a booster car seat newborn seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall to fit into the harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from to a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in the event of a crash.
Back seat
All children should use a child safety or booster seat correctly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or have exceeded the limits of its weight and height, should switch to a forward-facing child restraint using a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.
Once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, you can transfer them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat in a way that it is secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or 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. These seats are typically used until the child reaches the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or looking at the tag that is attached to the seat.
If you can it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat when there's an active air bag. Putting children in the front seats can increase the chance of getting injured in an accident, as the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to get help choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you can't try out a seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.
