See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is specifically designed to be suitable for a particular age group. It's recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then get an extra seat until the vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or the age of 10-12.
When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that is resistant to staining, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and equipment that is easy to clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from a crash. They're also safer because they spread the force of impact across a larger surface area which reduces the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed to shift their children into 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. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their height or weight limit of their current car seat, as stated by the manufacturer.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body and is still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. A child's head is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in an accident which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who are in a car seat that is facing forward are at the greatest danger of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents think that their kiddos have stronger necks than their older children, meaning they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat newborn insert seat earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens will change that. In the case of a car accident the head of a larger child is likely to be struck with more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.
When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can change to a convertible car seat newborn insert that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. This is why it is crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to put them in an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats around when they get older because it seems more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
Having a baby face forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head can be thrown against the seat's front and can cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under a year old.
A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be placed against the seat. This can cause fractures to the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and one year old. The reason for this is that younger children don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.
The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less prone to head injuries because the impact is 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 changed from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, you should read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the rear-facing car seat limit you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've outgrown this, it's time to travel in the booster seat.
Seat booster
There is no age or height limit at which children are safe from 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 raises a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder part of the belt in a way that it is near but not over the chest. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide to ensure the belt is correctly placed.
Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most common type is a high-back booster, that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters can be less expensive but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.
Some boosters come 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. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors inside your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.
Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old 30 pounds child go straight to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for a car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" children from to a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during a crash.
Back seat
All children should have a child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
When your baby is outgrowing the infant car seat that swivels 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 typically last for two years or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a front-facing restraint with a harness. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child reaches the top height and weight recommendations of the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or the tag on the car seat will let you know the height and weight it can be.
If possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. Additionally, they should not sit in the front seat if there is an active air bag. Placing children in the front seats can increase their chances of being injured during a crash, because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
It is a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the best child safety seat for them. They can also find out if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing, make sure it has an exchange policy.
