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Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to protect children according to their age. It is recommended that children ride in their car seat until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then get a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.

When shopping for a new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that resists staining, removable pieces that can be washed by machines, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the force of impact over an area larger than the surface which reduces the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed to change their children to forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to transition forward.

Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also developing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. A child's head is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in an accident which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they sit in a front-facing car seat.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward 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 that. In the case of a car accident the head of a larger child is more likely to be hit with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can convert them to a convertible car seat newborn insert that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Generally, children will be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your best car seat infant 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 place them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that informs you when the seat is properly installed and ready to change into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your vehicle and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats when they get older because it seems more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.

In the event of a crash that involves an infant car seats on sale facing forward the neck is at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat and 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 especially relevant for children younger than them, such as infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of an accident. Based on the type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractures to the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year old age. 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 is often the most serious kind of accident in which automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head steady and reduce neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to suffer 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 an all-in-one seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing, make sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines will explain whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limitations for that particular seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed 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 is no age or height limit that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's belt fits properly. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster raises the height of a child so that they can sit comfortably upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt so it is near but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles with low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper however they do not provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

Some boosters are equipped with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle, and a tether when one is available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to keep them in place. Go through the manual of your car to see if you can use the lower anchors on your car, and also read the booster seat instructions to learn how to use them.

Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall to fit into the harness seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" children from a harness. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in the event of a crash.

Back seat

All children should use the child safety or booster seat correctly installed as long as they can. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed the weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.

When your child is no longer able to fit in the infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that has an open rear-facing position. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child is out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child is at the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by studying the instructions of the manufacturer, or by examining the tag on it.

If possible, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If not then they should use a back restraint located in the middle of the back seat. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an active air bag. Placing children in the front seats can increase their chances of getting injured in an accident because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.

It is a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in deciding on and installing the best infant carrier car seat child safety seat. You can also determine if your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.