Car Seats By Age Tools To Ease Your Daily Life
Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. Children should ride in their car seat until they are at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. 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 searching for a new seat look for features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should be considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They are also safer as they spread the force of impact over a greater area. This reduces the risk of the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the idea of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing for as long as you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat as stated by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them particularly vulnerable in a crash. A child's head is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in a collision, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat that is facing the front.
Many parents think that their kids have stronger necks than their older children, meaning they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. However, it's important to keep in mind that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups can alter that. In the event of a car crash, a larger child's head will likely be struck with more force. This could result in brain and spinal cord injury.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible car seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Generally, children will be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you will require them to be moved into an adult booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator for angles to let you know when the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats around as they grow older, because it's more convenient. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
If you crash with a baby facing forward the neck is at risk. The head can be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can happen even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under a year old.
A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head against the dashboard or on the window in the event of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the vehicle is moving the head could be forced back against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord.
The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and one year old. This is because younger kids don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most severe kind of accident in which cars are involved.
The harness and tether help keep the child's head steady and reduce neck strain. Additionally, a rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries since the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
If you have a child younger than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be changed from forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height are for the particular seat.
Once your child is at the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel with a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to get the booster seat.
Seat booster
There is no age limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. Kids should use one until the vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could take anytime between age 8 and 13.
A booster raises a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt must rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guides to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a backrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to 65 pounds and then as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether when one is available. Others require the seat belt to hold them in their place. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors on your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.
Some parents may be tempted to let their 3 year old, 30 pound child go straight to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the harness car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness is risky. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during an accident.
Back seat
All children should use a child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed as long as they can. mouse click the next web site who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits, should switch to a forward facing child restraint using a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.
When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat, you can move 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 weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are typically used until your child is the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or by examining a tag attached to it.
If it is 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 restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. Additionally, they should not sit in the front seat if there's an airbag that is active. Placing children in the front seats can increase the risk of injury in a crash, because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea to take 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 find out whether your car seat has been recalled for problems or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.