See What Car Seats By Age Tricks The Celebs Are Using

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Each car seat is specifically designed to fit a certain age group. It's recommended that children ride in their seats until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.

When looking for a new seat look for features like fabric that resists stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should be considered.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They are also safer since they spread the force of impact across a larger surface area which reduces the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to move forward-facing.

Children's heads are big in relation to their bodies and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality children's heads could generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision -- enough to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who sit in a car seat facing towards the front are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. However, it's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than a 5th percentile kid, and no amount of teen push-ups can change this. In the case of a car accident the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat you can switch to a convertible car that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children typically attain their maximum height first. So, it's important to follow the instructions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

If your child is at the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that informs you whether the seat is installed and ready to flip to face forward. You should only use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the best car seat newborn protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

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

If you crash with an infant car seat that swivels facing forward, the neck could be at risk. The head can be placed against the seat by force and cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to experience whiplash. 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 land their head against the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is traveling the head may be pulled into the seat and may break the skull or spinal cord.

Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. The reason is that children who are younger do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision, which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.

The use of a harness or tether when facing rear helps keep the kid's head stable and reduces the stress on their necks. A child facing the rear will be less prone to head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.

If you have a child less than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be turned from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The guidelines will explain whether or not you should use a tether as well as the weight and height limits for that particular seat.

When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat 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 their car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.

Booster seat

There is no set age or height when kids can safely stop using a booster seat. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster can increase the height of a child, so that they can sit comfortably upright in cars. The shoulder portion of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with belt guides that help to ensure the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster which offers 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 offer neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as an adult booster seat until about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when one is available. Some require the car seat belt to secure them in place. You can check the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.

Some parents might be enticed to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child immediately go to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for a car seat. It's risky to "graduate" children from the harness. If the belt is too loose children could be severely injured or even die in an accident.

Back seat

All children should have the child safety 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 outgrown the weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat.

Once your child has outgrown the infant car seats cheap car seat, you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in one car seat with an option to rear-facing. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to 2 years or until your child is over the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat in the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt.

If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. In general, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the top weight and height limits of the seat. You can find out how tall and heavy the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by examining a tag attached to the seat.

All older children should be seated in the booster seat or on a lap belt in the vehicle as much as possible. If not you can use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. In addition it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Placing children in the front seat could increase their chances of injury in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.

It is a good infant car seats idea to take 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 find out if your car seat has been recalled due to problems or safety concerns. You can then buy one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you can't try out a seat, see if it has a return policy.