This Is The History Of Car Seats By Age In 10 Milestones
Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.
When looking for a new seat look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact over an area larger than the surface which reduces spinal cord injuries.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing their children forward-facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing car seat only after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current car seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality children's heads could generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in an accident -- enough to cause a deadly injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents think that their children have stronger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. However, it's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups will change this. In the event of a crash, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with more force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. In general, children will be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to be attentive to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when you should switch to forward-facing.
When your child is at the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved into an adult booster. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to notify you when the seat is properly installed and is able to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the rear of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their baby's car seat around as they grow older, because it is more practical. 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 toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can happen even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially 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 on the window in the event of an accident. Depending on the kind of crash is occurring and how fast the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This could result in fractured skulls or a spinal chord.
The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason for this 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 type of car accident.
The use of a harness or tether while rear-facing helps to keep the kid's head stable and reduces strain on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less prone to head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a baby under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing be sure to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limitation you can allow them to travel in a forward-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 outgrown it, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.
Seat booster
There is no age or height limit at which children are safe from using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster elevates a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder portion of the belt in a way that it is near, but not over, the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats include belt guides that help to ensure the belt is placed correctly.
Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most common 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 are cheaper, but they do not provide head or neck support. infant carrier seat -in-one boosters permit users to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode until about 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.
Some boosters are equipped with lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors, and a tether in the event that one is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. You can check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.
Some parents might be tempted to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is becoming too tall for the harness seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during a crash.
Back seat
All children should ride in the back seat of a car for as long as is possible, using a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown its height and weight limits should move to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.
When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat, you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats with the option of rear-facing. Usually, these seats can be used up to 2 years or until your child is over the seat's highest height and weight limit. Install the car 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 outgrown their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until the child reaches the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by studying the manufacturer's instructions, or by looking at the tag that is attached to the seat.
If it is possible the older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they aren't able to, they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during a collision because their bodies are smaller.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. You can also find out if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. You can then buy one that fits both your vehicle and the child's height. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.