Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. It's recommended that children ride in their seat until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.

When you are looking for a new car seats newborn seat, think about features such as fabric that is resistant to staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and hardware that wipes clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They are also safer, because they distribute the impact force over a larger area. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often tempted by the thought of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing as long as you can. This means that they should move to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their maximum weight or height of their current seat, as stated by the manufacturer.

Children's heads are big in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in the event of a collision that 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 to the side are at a higher chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their children have stronger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep in mind that a child who is 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens will change that. In the case of a best car seat newborn uk accident, a larger child's head will likely be struck with more force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord or brain.

If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat you can change to a convertible car that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. In general, children will be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to pay close attention to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will need to move them to the booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to let you know that the seat is properly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. It is best car seats for newborns to use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed to turn their child's car seat around as they grow older, because it is more comfortable. However, they must remember that rear-facing is a safer option for children.

In the event of a crash that involves an infant facing toward the rear the neck could be at risk. The head could be hit against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly relevant for children younger than them, such as infants.

A child facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling the head may be pushed into the seat and may break the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and 1 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.

Using a harness and tether when facing rear helps keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces the strain on their necks. Additionally that a child who is rear-facing is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

If you have a child less than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular seat.

When your child reaches the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel in a forward-facing car seat with tether. When they've reached that point, it's time to travel with a booster.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or height when kids can safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until a child's belt fits properly. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster can increase the height of a child so that they can sit comfortably upright in a car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so that it is near, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly positioned.

Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most popular model is a high-back booster, that provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, however they don't offer head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to secure them in place. You can check the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.

Some parents might be tempted to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is growing too tall for the harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in a crash.

Back seat

All children should ride in the back of a vehicle for as long as they can with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown its height and weight limits should move to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

Once your child has outgrown an best infant seat car seat, you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with the option of rear-facing. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to 2 years or until your child reaches the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat in 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 usually used until your child is 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the manufacturer's instructions, or looking at the tag on the seat.

All children older than 5 years old should be seated in a booster seat or a lap belt for a vehicle, if possible. If they aren't able to, they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there is an air bag that is in use. Putting children in the front seat could increase their chances of being injured during an accident because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

It is a good idea to bring 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 child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or other flaws. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you can't try out the seat, see if it has a refund policy.