Car Seats by Age
Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect 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 the vehicle belts fit correctly, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
When you are looking for a new car seat, think about features such as fabric that is resistant to stains, removable pieces that 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 injuries in a crash. They're also safer because they spread the impact force over an area larger than the surface which minimizes injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted 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 is possible. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current car seat, as stated by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge in relation to their body, and is still developing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times their body weight in an accident which is more than enough force to cause a 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 think that their children have stronger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any more powerful than a kid who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups performed by teens can change the fact that. In the event of a crash the head of a bigger child is likely to be hit with greater force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.
When your child has outgrown their cheap infant car seats car seat you can convert them to convertible cars that let them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Generally, children will reach the height limit first and therefore it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.
 If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll need to get them into a booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to inform you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often tempted to flip their baby's car seat as they get older, because it is more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
A baby who is facing forward in the car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head could be thrown against the seat in front and can cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is particularly relevant for children younger than them 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. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the vehicle is moving the head may be pulled back against the seat and may break the skull or the spinal cord.
 The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. This is due to the fact that younger children don't 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 help keep the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries as the impact is cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child less than a year old in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing, make sure to read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the height and weight limits for that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat that has a tether. When they've outgrown this, it's time to get a booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no magic age or height at which children are able to safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until a child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster increases the height of a child to ensure that they can sit comfortably upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt so that it lies close to but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should lie across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.
Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most popular model is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. It is a great option for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters can be cheaper, but they don't 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 when used as boosters.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that it is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in position. You can refer to the owner's manual for your vehicle to find out if you 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 three-year-old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the car seats newborn seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness is risky. If the belt is not secure enough children could be seriously injured or even killed in a crash.
Back seat
All children should sit in the back seat of a car as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.
When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat in front seat car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats can typically be used for up to two years, or until your child outgrows the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can place them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are usually used until the child reaches the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.
All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or a lap belt for a vehicle as much as possible. If not then they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions because their bodies are smaller.
You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best child safety seat. They can also find out if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or other flaws. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.
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