Car Seats by AgeEach car seat is designed for a specific age group. It's recommended that children ride in their car seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.
When you are searching for a new seat, look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should be taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They are also safer since they distribute the force of impact over more of a larger area which reduces injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as it is possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to go forward.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. The head of a child can generate 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 the reason why children who are in a
best car seat seat that is facing to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks than their older children, meaning they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile of their age isn't stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups done by teens will alter the fact that. In the case of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to be struck with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.
When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible car seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will attain their maximum height first and therefore it is important to be attentive to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to change 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 an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to notify you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the
best car seat newborn protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to switch their kids' car seats around as they get older because it seems more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
A baby who is facing forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head could be thrown back by force against the seat in front and could cause permanent damage 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 applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet a year old.
A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is traveling the head may be pulled into the seat and may break the skull or the spinal cord.
The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason is that children younger than one year old don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most serious kind of car crash.
The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head stable which reduces neck strain. A child facing the rear will 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 is in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed 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 are for that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to move into a booster seat.
Seat booster
There is no set age or size at which kids can safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster helps a child increase their height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also set so that it sits close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide that helps to ensure that the belt is properly placed.
Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as a booster.
Some boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether, when available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors in your car, and also read the booster seat instructions to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from a harness. If the belt is too loose children could be seriously injured or even die in an accident.
Back seat
Every child should use a child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the weight and height limits, should switch to a forward-facing restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height 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 all-in-one car seat that also has a 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
best car seat for newborn uk safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat, you can place them in a front-facing restraint using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches tall or until your child is at the weight and height limits of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by looking at a tag attached to the seat.
All children over the age of 18 should be seated in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt, if possible.