(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1147/maxi-cosi-pearl-360-i-size-baby-car-seat-3-months-4-years-61-105-cm-360-car-seat-swivel-one-hand-rotation-climaflow-easy-in-harness-g-cell-side-impact-protection-authentic-graphite-1147.jpg)Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, they are all designed to safeguard children based on their age. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use a booster seat until their vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or the age of 10-12.
When looking for a new seat look for features such as fabric that resists stains and pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should also be taken into consideration.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers protecting their spines and necks from injuries in a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the impact force over a larger surface area, which limits the risk of injuries to the spinal cord.
Parents are often tempted to move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as is possible. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat only when they've reached their maximum weight or height of their current car seat, as specified by the manufacturer.
The heads of children are huge in relation to their body and is still developing. This makes them vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision – enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest risk of sustaining fatal head injuries when they sit in a front-facing car seat.
Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward faster. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't any more powerful than the 5th percentile child and no amount of teen push-ups will change that. In the case of a car accident the head of a bigger child will likely be struck with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord and brain.
If your child is outgrowing their top rated infant car seats car seats newborn seat, you can convert them to convertible cars that let them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first and it's crucial to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.
If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to put them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats have an inbuilt angle indicator that tells you that the seat is installed and ready to flip to forward-facing mode. It is best to use a booster seat in 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 a crash.
Forward-facing
Parents are often enticed by the idea of turn their child's car seat around as they grow older, because it is more comfortable. However, they must remember, that rear-facing is the best car seats for newborns uk option for children.
Having a baby face forward in the car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head can be thrown back by force against the front seat and cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet one year old.
A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head against the dashboard or in front of the window during a crash. Based on the type of crash occurs and how fast 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 children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year old age. The reason 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.
Utilizing a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to keep the kid's head stable and reduces the strain on their necks. Additionally the rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.
When you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can switch from forward-facing to rear-facing, make sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines from the manufacturer will indicate whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat.
When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can travel with 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 limit or height when children can safely stop using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt fits them correctly, and that can happen anytime between age 8 and 13.
A booster helps a child increase their height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap part of the belt should rest across the thighs, not over the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned.
Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for vehicles with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters can be less expensive but they do not provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to 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.
Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that it is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.
Some parents may be enticed to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat because the child is growing too tall to fit into the harness seat. But hurrying to “graduate” your child out of the harness is dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during a crash.
Back seat
All children should have a child safety or booster seat that is properly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing child restraint using a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat.
After your baby has outgrown an infant car seat you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seats with the option of rear-facing. These seats can typically be used for a period of up to two years or until your child is over the seat's weight and height limit. If you own a infant car seats with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat in a way that it is secured to this spot using the lower anchor system or seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until the child reaches the height of 57 inches or reaches the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it can be.
If it is possible the older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat if there's an airbag that is active. Sitting children in the front seat could increase their chances of getting injured in an accident, as the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies.
It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the best child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat has been recalled due to problems or safety concerns. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, whether it has a return policy.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1169/maxi-cosi-rodifix-m-i-size-high-back-booster-seat-3-5-12-years-100-150cm-kids-car-seat-g-cell-side-impact-protection-adjustable-height-quick-easy-buckle-up-isofix-car-seat-basic-black-1.jpg)
