A Step-By-Step Guide To Car Seats By Age From Start To Finish
Car Seats by Age
Car seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes, but each one is designed to protect children based on their age. Children should use their car seat until they are at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they can use a booster until the vehicle belts fit correctly, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When you are looking for a new car seat, think about features like fabric that can withstand stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed and equipment that is easy to clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the force of impact over an area larger than the surface which reduces spinal cord injuries.
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 as long as you can. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head is capable of generating 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 chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they sit in a front-facing car seat.
Many parents believe that their kiddos have bigger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep it in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups by teens will change that. In the event of a car crash, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with more force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord and brain.
When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that allows them to stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children usually attain their maximum height first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight limit of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will need to move them into a booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to let you know that the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed by the idea of change their children's car seats around when they grow older because it is more convenient. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
Having a baby face forward in the car seat puts their necks in danger in the event of a crash, as the head can be thrown back by force against the seat in front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to experience whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks such as infants who are less than one year old.
A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in the event of a crash. Depending on what kind of crash is occurring and the speed at which the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This could result in fractures to the skull or spinal cord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 pounds and one year old. The reason for this is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most serious kind of car crash.
Using a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces the stress on their necks. A rear-facing child 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 in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be changed from forward-facing to rear-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 will tell you whether or not to use a tether, as well as the weight and height limits for the seat.
When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limit They can now travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.
Booster seat
There is no age limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster helps a child increase their height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap portion of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to help ensure the belt is properly positioned.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a backrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type, which provides neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles with low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters can be cheaper, however they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.
Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in position. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors in your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child into an adult car seat since the child is growing too tall to fit in the harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in the event of a crash.
Back seat
Pushchairs And Prams should use 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 height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat you can switch 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. If you own a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or the tag on the car seat will let you know how tall and heavy it can be.
If it is possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front if the airbag is active. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during collisions since their bodies are smaller.
It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the right child safety seat for them. You can also determine if 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 are unable to test the seat, find out if the seat has a refund policy.