car seats by age (https://securityholes.science)

Each car seat is designed to be suitable for a particular age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.

When you are looking for a new car seat, consider features such as fabric that resists staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They are also safer, as they spread the force of impact across a wider area. This reduces the risk of the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of moving their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in 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 seat as specified by the manufacturer.

Children's head are large in relation to their bodies and growing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. A child's head is capable of generating up to 25 times the weight of their body 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 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. It's important to keep in mind that a lightweight baby car seat who is 95th percentile isn't stronger than a child who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups performed by teens will alter the fact that. In the event of a car crash, the head of a larger child is likely to hit with more force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children typically reach their maximum height first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions from the manufacturer of your car seat on when you can 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 a booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be flipped to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in a crash.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to change their children's car seats when they grow older because it seems more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

A baby who is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head could be thrown against the seat in front and can cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.

A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is traveling, the head can 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 they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year of age. The reason for this is that children younger than one year old do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous type of car accident.

Using a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces strain on their necks. Additionally, a rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

When you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can change from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limits for that seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. Kids should use it until their vehicle belt is properly fitted and that could take anytime between age 8 and 13.

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

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters can be less expensive however they don't offer neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.

Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors inside your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.

Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall to fit in the harness seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness is dangerous. If the belt is not secure enough, children can be seriously injured or even die in an accident.

Back seat

All children should ride in the back of a car for as long as possible, using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.

After your baby has outgrown the infant car seat newborn seat, you can switch them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat for newborn seat with an option to rear-facing. These seats are generally good for two years or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you own a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat in a way that it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are typically used until your child is 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can determine the height and weight of the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or looking at a tag attached to it.

If you can, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If not you can use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. In addition you should not place them in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Children who are 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 determine if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. Then, you can buy one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat, see if it has a refund policy.