Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to protect children according to their age. It's recommended that children ride in their car seat until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.

If you are looking for a new seat, consider features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and pieces that are removable that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be considered.

Rear-facing

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

Parents are often enticed to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as is possible. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to go forward.

Children's heads are big in relation to their bodies and is still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. The head of a child can generate up to 25 times their body weight in the event of a collision that is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they are in a car seat with a front view.

Many parents believe that their kiddos have bigger necks than older children, which means they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. However, it's important to realize that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups can alter this. In the event of a car crash the head of a child with a bigger size is likely to be hit with more force. This could result in brain and spinal cord injury.

If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can convert them to convertible cars that let children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Typically, children be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your Nania BELINE Tiger Car Seat Group 1-3 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 get them into an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to let you know when the seat is correctly installed and is ready for flipping into forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat on the back seat of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often tempted to flip their baby's car seat as they get older, because it is more convenient. But they should remember that rear-facing is a safer option for children.

In a crash with a baby facing forward, the neck could be at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent spine damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet one year old.

A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in a crash. Based on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This can cause a fractured skull or spinal cord.

The current safety standards demand that kids remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year old age. This is because children younger than one year don't have the neck strength to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most severe type of accident in which cars are involved.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady and reduce neck strain. Additionally, a rear-facing child is less likely to sustain head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

If 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 rear to forward-facing, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to face the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for the particular seat.

When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. Once they've surpassed this, it's time to get the booster seat.

Seat booster

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

A booster raises a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is correctly placed.

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

Some boosters are equipped with lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors, and a tether when one is available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's manual to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and read the booster seat instructions to learn how to use them.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for the car seat. However, rushing to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in an accident.

Back seat

Every child should use a child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they are able to. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the limits of its weight and height, should switch to a forward-facing child restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat.

After your baby outgrows an infant car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing position. These seats can typically be used up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's maximum 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 has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until the child reaches 57 inches in height 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 is able to support.

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

You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to get help selecting and installing the best child safety seat. You can also determine if your car seat has been recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're not able try a seat before buying be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.