Car Seats by Age
Each car seat is made for a specific age group. It is recommended that children sit in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.
When shopping for a new car seat, consider features like fabric that is resistant to staining, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and accessories that can be cleaned.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They're also safer as they distribute the force of impact across more of a larger area which minimizes injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing their children forward facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. The manufacturer will inform you when your child is ready to transition forward-facing.
The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. The head of a child can produce up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the highest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they sit 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 faster. 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's 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will alter the fact that. In the event of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to be struck with greater force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries.
When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can change them into a convertible car seat that lets them remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum height or weight limit. Typically, children be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to be attentive to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to change to forward-facing mode.
When your child reaches the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to get them into an adult booster seat. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you that the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the rear of your vehicle and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best protection for your child.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed to turn their child's car seat around as they get older, simply because it's more practical. However, they should remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
In a crash with an infant facing towards the front the neck could be at risk. The head could be thrown against the front seat and cause permanent spinal damage. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially true for smaller kids, like infants under a year old.
A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in the event of a crash. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and how fast the car is moving, the head could be pushed against the seat. This could result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.
Current safety standards require kids to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and one year old. The reason for this is that children who are younger do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most serious kind of car accident.
The harness and tether help keep the child's head in place and reduce neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-1 seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing be sure to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.
Once your child has reached the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat with a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to get the booster seat.
Seat booster
There isn't a 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 fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.
A booster can increase the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in cars. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt so it is close to but not directly over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should lie across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide to ensure the belt is properly placed.
Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they do not provide head or neck support. Some 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 as boosters.
good infant car seats have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle, and a tether in the event that one is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to hold them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them.
Some parents might be tempted to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child into an adult car seat since the child is getting too tall to fit in the harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness is risky. If the belt is loose children could be seriously injured or even killed in a crash.
Back seat
All children should have a child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly as long as they can. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its weight and height limits should transition to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.
When your baby is no longer in an infant car seat they can be moved to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that also has an open rear-facing position. These seats are generally 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 fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child reaches the height of 57 inches or reaches the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.
If it is possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If not, they should use a back seat restraint in the middle of the back seat. They should also not sit in front of the car if the airbag is in use. Placing children in the front seats can increase the risk of being injured during an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.
It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to help with choosing and installing the right child safety seat. You can also see if your child's car seat has been removed due to safety issues or defects. Then, you can purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to test a seat prior to purchasing, make sure it has a return policy.