Car Seats by Age
Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to safeguard children according to their age. Children should be in their car seat until they reach the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they are able to use a booster until their belts of their vehicle fit properly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When looking for a new seat look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should be taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats hold 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 over a larger area. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injuries.
Parents are often enticed to move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as possible. That means moving them 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.
The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies and still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. In reality, a child's head can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- enough to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat with their backs to the side are at a higher chance of suffering fatal head injuries.
Many parents believe that their kids have stronger necks than older kids, so they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups will change the fact that. In the case of a car crash, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can change them into a convertible car seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Typically, children be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch to forward-facing mode.
If your child has reached 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 come with a built-in angle indicator that informs you when the seat is properly installed and ready to flip to face forward. It is best to use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in case of crash.
Forward-facing
Parents are often tempted to turn their child's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more convenient. But they should remember, that rear-facing is the best option for children.
In www.pushchairsandprams.uk with the baby facing towards the front, the neck is at risk. The head can be hit against the seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly applicable to children who are younger like infants.
A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in the event of a crash. Based on the type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This can result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 pounds and 1 year of age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand the forces in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most severe type of accident in which cars are involved.
The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head stable and reduce neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to suffer 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 that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any time, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.
When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation They can now travel in a forward-facing seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to travel in a booster seat.
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 belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster increases the height of a child to ensure that they can sit comfortably upright in cars. It also aligns the shoulder part of the belt so that it is near but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide to ensure that the belt is placed correctly.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable however they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to 100 pounds.
Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether if available. Some boosters require the seat belt to hold them in place. You can check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, you should 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 pounds child go straight to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during a crash.
Back seat
All children should be in the back of a car for as long as they can using 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 the weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
When your child is no longer able to fit in the infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing seat. Usually, these seats can be used for a period of up to two years, or until your child is over the seat's highest weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat 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 into a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child outgrows the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. You can determine the height and weight of the car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or looking at the tag that is attached to it.
If you can the older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front of the car if 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 bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic for assistance in selecting and installing the best child safety seat. They can also check to determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your vehicle and child's height. If you're unable to try the seat, whether it has a refund policy.