Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to protect children based on their age. It is recommended that children sit in their seat until they’ve reached the manufacturer’s weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.
When you are searching for a new seat look for features such as fabric that resists stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They’re also safer as they distribute the impact force over a larger surface area which reduces spinal cord injuries.
Parents are often enticed by the idea of move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they’re ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as it is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat after they’ve reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
Children’s head are large in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat facing to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward faster. It’s important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups done by teens will change the fact that. In the event of a car crash the head of a bigger child is likely to be hit with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.
When your child outgrows their portable infant car seat car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first, so it’s important to be attentive to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.
If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat for newborn seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved into an adult booster. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that informs you whether the seat is installed and ready to flip to face forward. You should only use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the best car seat newborn protection for your child in a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are enticed to turn their babies’ car seats around when they grow older, because it’s more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing is a safer option for children.
If you crash with an infant facing forward, the neck could be at risk. The head can be placed against the seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if a child’s neck muscles are strong enough, it’s still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger like infants.
A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a glass in the event of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pushed back against the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. This is because children younger than one year don’t have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces in a head-on collision which tends to be the most serious kind of accident where cars are involved.
The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child’s head stable, reducing neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less prone to head injuries because the impact will be 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 that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine if it’s safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will tell you whether or not to use a tether, as well as the weight and height limitations for that 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 the time is now to move on to a booster.
Booster seat
There isn’t a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until the belt fits them correctly and that could take between the ages of 8 and 13.
A booster raises a child’s height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder portion of the belt so it lies close to, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly positioned.
Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular type 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 have no headrests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, 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 up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as boosters.
Some boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether, in the event that it is available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in position. You can refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle to determine if can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.
Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 lbs child take a straight booster seat since they’re getting too tall for the car seat. However, rushing to “graduate” your child from the harness is risky. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in an accident.
Back seat
All children should use a child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they are able to. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward facing child restraint using a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.
When your baby is no longer in the infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has an open rear-facing position. 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 seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put into 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 reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy the car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by examining the tag that is attached to the seat.
If possible, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they aren’t able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during collisions since their bodies are smaller.
You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic for assistance in choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled for defects or safety issues. Then, you can purchase one that’s compatible with your car and your child’s size. If you can’t try out a seat, find out if the seat has a policy for refunds.