Car Seats by Age

Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. Children should ride in their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they can use a booster until their belts of their vehicle fit properly, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

If you are looking for a new chair, look for features like fabric that resists stains and pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They are also safer as they spread the force of impact over a larger area. This helps reduce the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of shift their children 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 is possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to go forward-facing.

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 weight in an accident -- more than enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat that is facing to the side are at a higher risk of fatal head injuries.

Many parents think that their kids have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups can change this. In the event of a best car seat newborn crash the head of a child with a bigger size is likely to be hit with more force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seats best car seat, you can change them into a convertible car seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. This is why it is important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to put them in an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you that the seat is properly installed and is able for flipping into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the rear of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed to turn their child's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more practical. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing is safer for children.

In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head could be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent spine damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head against the dashboard or in front of the window during an accident. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the car is traveling, the head can be pulled back against the seat and break the skull or the spinal cord.

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

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head in place, reducing neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less prone to 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 that can be changed from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, you should read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height are for the specific seat.

Once your child is at the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. Once they've outgrown it, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.

Booster seat

There isn't a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using the booster seat. Kids should use one until the belt fits them correctly and that could take between the ages of 8 and 13.

A booster helps a child increase their height so that they can sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt in a way that 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 include a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster, that provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.

Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that hooks to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether when available. Others require the seat belt to secure them in position. You can refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old, 30 pound child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for the harness car seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. If the belt is too loose children could be severely injured or even killed in a collision.

Back seat

Every child should use a child safety or booster seat correctly installed as long as they can. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat or have surpassed the weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seats best car seat infant seat, you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seats with a rear-facing option. 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 securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child has outgrown 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. These seats are generally used until the child reaches 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or looking at the tag on the seat.

All children over the age of 18 must be seated in a booster seat or a lap belt for a vehicle at the very least. If not then they should use a back seat restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front of the car if the airbag is active. Putting children in the front seat can increase their chances of getting injured in a crash, because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.

You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best car seat for newborn uk child safety seat. They can also check to see if your child's car seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. You can then buy one that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're unable to test a seat prior to purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.