Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. It is recommended that children sit in their seat until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.
When shopping for a new car seat, think about features like fabric that can withstand staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the force of impact across more of a larger area which reduces injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed to change their children to forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as it is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat when they've reached their maximum weight or height limit of their current seat according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
Children's heads are big in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. In fact the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat with their backs forward are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their kids have bigger necks than older children, which means they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't any more powerful than the 5th percentile child, and no amount of teen push-ups can change this. In the event of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.
If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change to forward-facing mode.
If your child is at the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll have to place them in a booster seat. Most booster seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that informs you when the seat is properly installed and ready to change to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to change their children's car seats around when they grow older, because it is more convenient. But they should remember that rear-facing seats are a safer option for children.
In a crash with an infant facing toward the rear, the neck could be at risk. The head could be placed against the seat and cause permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can happen even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.
A forward-facing child is also more likely to strike their head against the dashboard or in front of the window during a crash. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal chord.
The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 pounds and one year old. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision which is the most severe type of accident in which automobiles are involved.
The harness and tether help keep the child's head steady which reduces neck strain. Additionally, a rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries since the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.
When you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can switch from front-facing to rear ensure that you read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to face the front. best car seats for newborns uk will tell whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height are for that particular seat.
Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limitation you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've outgrown this, it's time to move into the booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. Kids should use one until the vehicle belt is properly fitted and that could happen anytime between age 8 and 13.
A booster increases the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in a car. It also aligns the shoulder part of the belt in a way that it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.
Booster seats come with or without a backrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back that provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.
Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that it is available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if can use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.
Some parents may be tempted to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from to a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in an accident.
Back seat
All children should use the child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they are able to. 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 restraint with harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.
When your baby is outgrowing the 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 two years or until your child reaches the seat's height and weight limit. 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 it is possible to place them in a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child is at the top weight and height limits of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or looking at the tag on the seat.
If possible, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front of the car 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's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to 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. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat, find out if the seat has a refund policy.