Car Seats by Age
Car seats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children according to their age. It is recommended that children sit in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then get an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or the age of 10-12.
When you are searching for a new chair, consider features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from a crash. They are also safer, because they distribute the impact force over a larger area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted by the idea of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the height or weight limit of their current car seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in an accident which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at the greatest risk for fatal head trauma when they are in a car seat with a front view.
Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward sooner. It's important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile of their age is not stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will alter the fact that. In the event of a car accident, the head of a larger child is likely to be struck with greater force, which could cause spinal cord and brain injuries.
If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat, you can convert them to a convertible car that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children typically attain their maximum height first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into a booster seat. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to inform you when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be turned to 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 best protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often tempted to change their baby's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children.
The fact that a child is facing forward in car seats puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head can be thrown by force against the front seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly applicable to children who are smaller, like infants under one year old.
A child who is facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window, in an accident. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head may be hit against the seat. This could result in fractures to the skull or spinal chord.
The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year of age. This is because younger kids do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is the most severe kind of accident where cars are involved.
Utilizing a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to keep the kid's head stable and reduces the stress on their necks. In addition, a rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.
If you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can change from front-facing to rear ensure that you read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to face the front. The guidelines will explain whether or not you should use a tether and the height and weight limits for that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. When they've outgrown this, it's time to move into the booster seat.
Push Chairs And Prams
There is no magic age or size at which kids are able to safely stop using the booster seat. Kids should use it until their vehicle belt is properly fitted and that could take between the ages of 8 and 13.
A booster raises a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt so it is close to but not directly over the chest. The lap part 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 can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type, which provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters can be less expensive but they don't provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for children in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.
Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that it is available. Some boosters require the 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 on your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.
Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old 30 lbs child immediately go to a booster seat since they're getting too tall for a car seat. It's risky to "graduate" a child from a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in the event of a crash.
Back seat
All children should ride in the back seat of a car as long as is possible using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have exceeded the weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.
Once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, you can transfer them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats are usually good for two years or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you own a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so that it can be secured tightly to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. These seats are generally used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will let you know the height and weight it is able to support.
If it is possible, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front if the airbag is in use. Sitting children in the front seat could increase the chance of getting injured in a crash, because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in deciding on and installing the right child safety seat. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled for defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing ensure that it comes with a return policy.