car seats by age - the original source -

Each car seat is designed to be suitable for a particular age group. Children should use their car seat until they are at the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. Then, they are able to utilize a booster until the vehicle belts fit correctly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When shopping for a new car seat, think about features like fabric that can withstand staining, pieces that are removable and can be washed by machines, and accessories that can be cleaned.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They're also safer as they spread the force of impact across more of a larger area, which limits spinal cord injuries.

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

Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head 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 risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward earlier. However, it's important to keep in mind that a 95th percentile baby isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can change the fact that. In the event of a car accident the head of a larger child is more likely to be hit with much more force, which can cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat cheap car seat you can switch to a convertible infant car seat for travel that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will reach the height limit first, so it's important to pay close attention to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change 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 an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to inform you when the seat has been properly installed and is able for flipping into forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the best car seats protection for your child in the event of a crash.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to switch their kids' car seats when they get older because it's more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing seats are a safer option for children.

In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing forward the neck is at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat by force and cause permanent spine damage. Whiplash can still occur even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks such as infants who are less than one year old.

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

The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and one year old. This is due to the fact that younger children don't have the neck strength to withstand the force 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. Furthermore, a rear-facing child is less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

When you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing ensure that you read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to face the front. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for the particular seat.

Once your child has reached the rear-facing car seat limitation, they can be in a forward-facing car seat with tether and harness until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to travel in the booster seat.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until a child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a backrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters may be less expensive but they do not provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat for 100 pounds.

Some boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether when available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Check the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out if you can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.

Some parents may be tempted to let their three-year-old 30 lbs child go straight to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the car seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if their belt is not secure enough in a crash.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back of a car for as long as is possible, using a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have exceeded its height and weight limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.

When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat in front seat car seat, you can switch them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats typically last for two years or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.

When your child grows out of their rear-facing seat you can put them in a forward-facing restraint with a harness. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the instructions of the manufacturer, or by examining the tag on it.

All children older than 5 years old must be seated in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If they can't then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat if there is an airbag that is active. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

It's a good idea bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with a return policy.