car seats by age; Pushchairsandprams blog article,

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 use a booster until their belts of their vehicle fit properly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall.

When looking for a new seat, look for 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 be taken into consideration.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, securing their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They are also safer because they distribute the impact force over a greater area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted to shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies. They are also developing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. In fact the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is more than enough to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they are in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents think that their children have stronger necks than older children, which means they can handle the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. It's important to keep in mind that a baby 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 performed by teens will alter this. In the event of a car crash, a larger child's head will likely be struck with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that lets them remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children typically reach their maximum height first. Therefore, it is essential to follow the guidelines of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child is at the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will need to move them to a booster. 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 turned to forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed by the idea of flip their baby's car seat as they get older, simply because it's more convenient. But they should remember that rear-facing is the best option for children.

In the event of a crash that involves the baby facing toward the rear the neck could be at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to suffer whiplash. This is particularly true for smaller kids that aren't yet one year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a glass in an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling the head could be pushed back against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord.

The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason is that younger children do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most serious type of Spiderman Nania Car Seat: Group 1/2/3 for Kids accident.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head stable and reduce neck strain. Additionally the rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat.

If you have a child younger than one year old in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be changed from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for the specific seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing car seat limitation you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing seat with tether and harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by their car seat's manufacturer. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to travel in the booster seat.

Seat booster

There is no magic age or size at which kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle 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 it is close to but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt must rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is properly positioned.

Booster seats come with or without a backrest. 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 less expensive but they don't offer neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as a booster.

Some boosters come with lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that one is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. Go through the manual of your car to see if you can use the lower anchors inside your car, and read the booster seat instructions to learn how to utilize them.

Some parents may be tempted to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child go straight to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for the car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from the harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be severely injured or even die in a crash.

Back seat

All children should use the child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they are able to. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown the weight and height limits should transition 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 an infant carrier seat car seat, they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat 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 using a harness. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches or until your child is at the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will tell you the height and weight it can support.

If you can, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Putting children in the front seat can increase their chances of being injured during an accident because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies.

It's a good idea take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. You can also determine if your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.