car seats by age [from the glamorouslengths.com blog]

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, they are all designed to protect children based on their age. It is recommended that children sit in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then get a booster seat until vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12.

When looking for a brand new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that can withstand 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 a crash. They're also safer because they spread the force of impact over more of a larger area, which limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.

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

Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies and still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at the greatest risk for fatal head trauma when they ride in a car seat that is facing the front.

Many parents think that their kiddos have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as a 5th percentile kid and no amount of push-ups for teens can change this. In the case of a car crash, the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries.

If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat newborn car seat, you can convert them to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children typically reach their height limit first. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child reaches their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you'll need to move them to the booster. The majority of booster seats come with an inbuilt angle indicator that informs you that the seat is installed and ready to change to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the back of your car and always wear the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best security for your child.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their baby's car seat around as they grow older, simply because it's more comfortable. However, they must remember that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children.

The fact that a child is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash because the head can be thrown by force against the seat in front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is especially true for smaller kids, like infants under one year old.

A child who is facing forward is more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or in front of the window during an accident. Depending on what kind of crash is occurring and the speed at which the car is moving, the head could be placed against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal chord.

The current safety standards demand that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason for this is that children who are younger do not have the neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most dangerous kind of car crash.

Using a harness and tether when facing rear helps ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces the strain on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries because 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 which can be turned from facing forward to rear at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The guidelines will tell you whether or not to use a tether as well as the weight and height limitations for that seat.

Once your child has reached 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 height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they've surpassed this, it's time to move into the booster seat.

Booster seat

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 belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so it is close to but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt must rest on the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters permit users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for children in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.

Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the vehicle's lower anchors, and a tether in the event that one is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep 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 instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Some parents might be tempted to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall for the harness seat. But hurrying to "graduate" your child out of the harness is dangerous. If the belt is loose children could be severely injured or even killed in a collision.

Back seat

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

After your top rated baby car seats has outgrown an infant car seat you can move them to convertible car seats or an 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 weight and height of the seat. If you have a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so it can be secured tightly in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until your child is the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will tell you how tall and heavy it can support.

If it is possible, all older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use a back restraint in the middle of the back seat. They should also not sit in front of the car if the airbag is activated. Putting children in the front seat could increase the risk of injury in an accident because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies.

You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic for assistance in choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then purchase one that fits both your car and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing, make sure it has a return policy.