car seats by age [related resource site]

Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they meet the manufacturer's height or weight limits, and then use a booster seat until their 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 like fabric that can withstand staining, pieces that are removable and can be washed by machines, and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, protecting their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They also offer greater safety, since they disperse the force of an impact over a larger area. This reduces the risk of the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing as long as you can. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward-facing.

The heads of children are huge in relation to their body and is still developing. This makes them vulnerable in a crash. In fact, a child's head can generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in the event of a collision. This is more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who are in a infant car seats seat that is facing to the side are at a higher risk of fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will change this. In the event of a car crash, a bigger kid's head is more likely to be hit with much more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child outgrows their infant car seats on sale car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will attain their maximum height first, so it's important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.

When your child reaches the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll need to put them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to notify you when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their baby's car seat around as they get older, because it is more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are the best infant carrier car seat option for children.

In a crash with a baby facing forward, the neck could be at risk. The head can be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially true for younger children like infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head on the dashboard or window in the event of an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the head can be pushed into the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards require that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason for this is that children younger than one year old don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head in place which reduces neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to sustain head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than one year old 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 provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The guidelines will explain whether or not to use a tether and the weight and height limits for that seat.

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

Seat booster

There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the vehicle belt is properly fitted, and that can happen between the ages of 8 and 13.

A booster elevates a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the infant car seats. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt so it is close to, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly placed.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back type that provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as boosters.

Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, in the event that it is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Some parents might be tempted to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child into an adult car seat since the child is getting too tall to fit into the harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from the harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even killed in a collision.

Back seat

Every child should use a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat or have surpassed its height and weight limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

When your child is no longer able to fit in the infant car seats cheap car seat, they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. Usually, these seats can be used up to two years or until your child reaches the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle of your vehicle. It can be secured with 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 with a harness. These seats are typically used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or exceeds the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a sticker on the car seat will let you know the height and weight it can support.

If it is possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat when there's an active air bag. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea to bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat has been recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you can't try out a seat, whether it has a return policy.