car seats by age (https://yogicentral.science/wiki/5_Reasons_Car_Seat_Inserts_For_Newborns_Is_Actually_A_Good_Thing)

Car seats are available in a variety sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to safeguard children according to their age. Children should be in their car seat until they are at 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 shopping for a new car seat, consider features like fabric that is resistant to stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact across a larger surface area, which limits injuries 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 keeping them rear-facing for as long as possible. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current car seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Children's head are large in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision, which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat that is facing forward are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. However, it's important to keep in mind that a 95th percentile baby isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids, and no amount of teen push-ups will change the fact that. In the event of a car crash the head of a bigger child will likely be hit with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seats uk car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that lets them remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Generally, children will attain their maximum height first, so it's important to pay close attention to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to switch to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached their convertible car seat's weight or maximum height, you will need to move them into an adult booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to notify you when the seat is properly installed and is ready for flipping into forward facing infant car seat-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best infant carrier car seat security for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats around when they grow older, because it seems more practical. However, they should remember 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 can be hit against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under a year old.

A child facing the forward is more likely to strike their head on the dashboard or on the window during an accident. Depending on what type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving the head may be pushed against the seat. This can result in fractured skulls or a spinal cord.

The current safety standards mandate that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason for this is that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most dangerous kind of car accident.

Using a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the kid's head stable and reduces strain on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a baby under a year in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing ensure that you read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation They can now travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top weight or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. 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 their vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.

A booster helps a child increase their height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is placed correctly.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a backrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters can be cheaper, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to 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 come with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether when one is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to secure them in place. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Parents may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat because the child is becoming too tall to fit in a harness seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness is risky. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even killed in an accident.

Back seat

All children should have a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed as long as they can. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown its height and weight limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

When your child is no longer able to fit in an infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing seat. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to two years, or until your child outgrows the seat's height and weight limit. Install the newborn car seat insert safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured 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 into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are typically used until your child is 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.

If it is possible, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they aren't able to utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured in a collision because their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the right child safety seat for them. You can also determine whether your car seat has been recalled for defects or safety issues. You can then buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and the child's height. If you are unable to test the seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.