Car Seats By Age Tools To Enhance Your Daily Life
Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is made for a specific age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or the age of 10-12.
When you are looking for a new car seat, consider features like fabric that can withstand stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and accessories that can be cleaned.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They're also safer as they spread the force of impact over more of a larger area which reduces 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 to keep them rear-facing for as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current car seat, as specified by the manufacturer.
Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. In fact the head of a child can exert up to 25 times the force of their weight in the event of a collision. This is more than enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they are in a car seat with a front view.
Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and can make the transition to a car seat that faces forward earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't stronger than a child who's 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will change this. In the event of a car accident the head of a bigger child is likely to be struck with much more force, which could cause spinal cord and brain injuries.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible car seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Typically, children attain their maximum height first, so it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.
When your child reaches the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll have to place them in a booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to notify you when the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped 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 best protection for your child in case of crash.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed to change their baby's car seat as they get older, simply because it's more convenient. But top rated infant car seats must keep in mind that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
In a crash with the baby facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially relevant for children younger than them, such as infants.
A child facing the forward is more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or window during an accident. Depending on what kind of crash is occurring and how fast the car is moving, the head could be hit against the seat. This can result in a fractured skull or spinal cord.
The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is because children younger than one year do not have the neck strength to withstand the forces in a head-on collision which tends to be the most serious kind of accident in which automobiles are involved.
Using a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces stress on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to suffer 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 facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe for them to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.
Once your child is at the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to get the booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no set age or height when kids are able to safely stop using the booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until the belt is properly fitted and that could happen anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster can increase the height of a child, so that they can sit upright in a car. It also places the shoulder portion of the belt in a way that it is close to, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt must rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide that helps to ensure that the belt is correctly placed.
Booster seats come with or without a backrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back that provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they don't offer neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters.
Some boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether, if available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in position. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors on your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.
Some parents might be enticed to let their 3 year old 30 pounds child take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for the harness car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" children from the harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in the event of a crash.
Back seat
Every child should use the child safety or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat or have outgrown its height and weight limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.
Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat, you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. Most of the time, these seats can be used for a period of up to 2 years or until your child is over the seat's maximum height and weight limit. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has grown out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a forward-facing restraint that has a harness. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches tall or until your child outgrows the weight and height limits of the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a sticker on the car seat will let you know how tall and heavy it can be.
All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt at the very least. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front of the car if the airbag is activated. Putting children in the front seats can increase the risk of injury in an accident because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. You can also see if your child's car seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, whether it has a return policy.