Car Seats by Age

Car seats are available in a variety sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to protect children according to their age. Children should ride in their car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. After that, they can use a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When you are searching for a new seat, look for features like fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should be considered.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate necks and spines in the event of a collision. They are also safer as they spread the force of impact across a wider area. This limits the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

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 it is possible. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them particularly vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in a collision that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat that is facing towards the front are at the highest danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their children have necks that are stronger than their older children, meaning they can handle the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups can change the fact that. In the event of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first and it's crucial to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.

When your child is at the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you'll require them to be moved into the booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to notify you when the seat is correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only 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 enticed to switch their kids' car seats when they grow older, because it seems more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

In the event of a crash that involves a baby seat facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head could be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent spine damage. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially true for younger children like infants.

A child facing the forward is more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is moving the head could be pulled backwards against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord.

Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. This is because younger kids do not have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most serious kind of accident in which cars are involved.

The use of a harness or tether when rear-facing helps keep the kid's head stable and reduces strain on their necks. A child facing the rear will be less likely to sustain head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which 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 not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.

When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to move into the booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no set age or height when kids can safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster elevates a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt must be positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for kids in harness mode up to 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when one is available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors on your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster newborn car seat insert seat due to the fact that the child is becoming too tall to fit into the harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from the harness. If the belt is too loose children could be seriously injured or even die in a crash.

Back seat

Every child should use a 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 surpassed its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.

Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat in front seat car seat you can switch them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child reaches the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it is able to support.

If you can, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front 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 take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the right child safety seat. You can also determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or other flaws. You can then choose a seat that fits both your vehicle and the child's height. If you're unable to try a seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.