Car Seats by Age

infant car seat swivel seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes, but each one is designed to protect children based on their age. It's recommended that children ride in their seats 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 tall or age 10 to 12.

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Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer because they disperse the force of an impact across a wider area. This limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed 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 inform you when your child is ready to move forward.

Children's heads are big in relation to their body, and growing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in an accident which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at the highest 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. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile of their age isn't stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will change that. In the event of a car crash, a larger child's head will likely be struck with greater force. This can lead to brain and spinal cord injury.

If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can change to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually attain their maximum height first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches the limit of weight or height 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 correctly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in the event of a crash.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats when they get older because it is more convenient. However, they must remember that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children.

In a crash with a baby facing forward, the neck is at risk. The head can be hit against the seat with force, causing permanent spine damage. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger, such as infants.

A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head on the dashboard or window during a crash. Depending on what type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving, the head could be placed against the seat. This can result in fractured skulls or a spinal chord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year of age. The reason is that children who are younger don't have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most serious type of car accident.

The use of a harness or tether while rear-facing helps to ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces stress on their necks. Furthermore the rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries since the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

If you have a baby less than a year old in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing ensure that you read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the height and weight limits for that particular seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation They can now travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer of their car seat. When they've outgrown this, it is time to travel in a booster seat.

Seat booster

There is no age or height limit that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat is to be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster raises a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder portion of the belt so that it is close to, but not over, the chest. The lap portion of the belt should lie across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats are equipped with a belt guide to ensure that the belt is positioned correctly.

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

Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when one is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors in your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is growing too tall for a harness seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from to a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in an accident.

Back seat

All children should use a child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded the weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

After your baby car seat has outgrown an infant car seat rear facing car seat you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats are usually good for two years or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. If you own a car with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat so it is secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child reaches the maximum height and weight recommendations of the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or the tag on the car seats by age seat will let you know how tall and heavy it can be.

If possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 sit in a booster or lap belt. If not 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. Putting children in the front seats can increase the chance of being injured during a crash, because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best car seat newborn uk child safety seat. They can also check to determine if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or flaws. Then, you can purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're not able test a seat prior to purchasing, make sure it has an exchange policy.