See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Using

Car Seats by Age

Car seats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, they are all designed to protect children according to their age. It's recommended that children ride in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12.

When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that is resistant to staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They also offer greater safety, because they distribute the impact force over a larger area. This helps reduce the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. 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.

Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies, and are developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times their body weight in the event of a collision, which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a front-facing car seat.

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

If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible seat that allows them to stay rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first, so it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change to forward-facing mode.

If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved into the booster. Most booster seats have a built-in angle indicator that informs you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in a crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed to turn their child's car seat around as they grow older, as it's more comfortable. They must remember, however, that rear-facing is the best car seats option for children.

Having a baby face forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head could be thrown back by force against the seat's front and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash is still a possibility even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under one year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to land their head on the dashboard or window in the event of a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is traveling, the head can be pushed backwards against the seat and break the skull or the spinal cord.

The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year of age. The reason is that children younger than one year old do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most dangerous kind of car accident.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to sustain head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be turned from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height is for the specific seat.

Once your child has reached 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, the time is now to move on to a booster.

Booster seat

There is no magic age or height when kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. Kids should use one until the belt is properly fitted, and that can happen anytime between age 8 and 13.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car seat newborn insert. The shoulder part of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most common booster seat is the high-back that offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they do not provide head or neck support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters.

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

Parents may be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 lbs child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" a child from the harness. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in the event of a crash.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back of a vehicle for as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded its weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward-facing restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seats car seat, you can transfer them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with the option of rear-facing. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can put them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. The majority of these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child is at the weight and height limits of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy a car seat is by studying the manufacturer's instructions, or looking at the tag on the seat.

If it is possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. They should also not sit in front if the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured during collisions because their bodies are smaller.

You can take your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat has been recalled for problems or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, find out if the seat has a return policy.