Car Seats By Age Tips From The Best In The Industry

Car Seats by Age Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. Children should be in their car seat until they are at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they are able to use a booster until the belts are properly fitted, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. When you are searching for a new seat consider features such as fabric that resists stains 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 babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer because they spread the force of impact across a wider area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord. Parents are often enticed 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 for as long as you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat, as specified by the manufacturer. Children's heads are big in relation to their body, and growing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times their body weight in an accident that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is 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 believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is 95th percentile isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups by teens can change the fact that. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head will likely be hit with more force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain. If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible car seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Generally, children will attain their maximum height first and it's crucial to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change to forward-facing mode. If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved to an adult booster. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that tells you whether the seat is installed and ready to change into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide 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 get older because it's more practical. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children. Having a baby face forward in car seats puts their necks in danger in a crash because the head can be thrown back by force against the seat's front and can cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can happen even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet one 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 the course of a crash. Based on the type of crash occurs and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pushed against the seat. This could result in fractures to the skull or spinal cord. The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. This is because children younger than one year do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which tends to be the most severe kind of accident where automobiles are involved. The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady and reduce neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is 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 which can be changed from forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular seat. Once your child is at the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with tether. 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 when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old. A booster raises a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also set so that it sits close to the chest, but not above. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is properly placed. Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles with low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters can be less expensive but they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters. Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether if available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to know 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 becoming too tall to fit in the harness seat. It's dangerous to “graduate” the child from the harness. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during the event of a crash. Back seat All children should be 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 big for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward facing child restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat. Once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with the option of rear-facing. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to two 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 can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt. If infant car seats best is out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are generally used until your child is the height of 57 inches or reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the instructions of the manufacturer, or looking at the tag that is attached to it. All older children should be seated in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If they can't then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during collisions because their bodies are smaller. It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in deciding on and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat has been recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that fits both your vehicle and the child's height. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with a return policy.