(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1109/maxi-cosi-tanza-child-seat-with-isofix-growing-booster-seat-with-g-cell-side-impact-protection-group-2-3-car-seat-can-be-used-from-approx-3-5-12-years-approx-100-150-cm-grey-1109.jpg)Each car seat is designed for a specific age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10 to 12.
When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that resists staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean.
Rear-facing
Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, securing their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer as they distribute the impact force across a wider area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord.
Parents are often enticed to shift their children 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 transition forward.
Children's head are large in relation to their bodies and is still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in the event of a collision that is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. That's why young children are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat with a front view.
Many parents believe that their kids have bigger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child, and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the event of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to be struck with greater force, which could result in brain and spinal cord injuries.
When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can convert them to a convertible car that allows children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Typically, children be the first to reach their height limit and therefore it is important to follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when you should switch to forward-facing.
When your child reaches the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into a booster seat. Most booster seats come with an angle indicator to inform you when the seat is correctly installed and is ready to be flipped 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 a crash.
Forward-facing
Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats when they grow older, because it is more practical. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children.
The fact that a child is facing forward in infant car seat best seats puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head can be thrown by force against the front seat and cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to experience whiplash. This is especially true for smaller kids, like infants under one year old.
A child who is facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window in an accident. Depending on what kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal chord.
The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason for this is that children younger than one year old do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on collision which is the most serious type of car accident.
Using a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the kid's head stable and reduces strain on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries as the impact is cushioned by their seat.
If you have a child younger than one year old in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be changed from facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will inform you whether or not to use a tether as well as the weight and height limitations for the seat.
Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight permitted by the infant car seat best seat manufacturer, they are able to travel with a forward-facing seat with tether. Once they have outgrown this, it is time to travel in the booster seat.
Booster seat
There is no age or height limit at which children are safe from using booster seats. Children should use a booster seat until the belt is properly fitted and that could take anywhere from age 8 to 13.
A booster raises the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also placed so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide that helps to ensure the belt is properly placed.
Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most popular booster seat is the high-back that provides neck and head support for children. It's a good choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to 65 pounds, and later as a booster seat for about 100 pounds.
Certain boosters have a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, in the event that it is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to secure them in position. You can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it.
Some parents might be tempted to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat because the child is growing too tall to fit into a harness seat. But rushing to “graduate” your child out of the harness is dangerous. If the belt is not secure enough children could be seriously injured or even die in a crash.
Back seat
All children should ride in the back seat of a car for as long as possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have exceeded its height and weight limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with an appropriate harness until they're tall for this type of seat.
Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat swivel car seat, you can switch them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat with an option to rear-facing. Usually, these seats can be used up to two years or until your child reaches the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt.
If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are generally used until the child reaches 57 inches in height or attains the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by studying the manufacturer's instructions, or by looking at the tag on it.
All children older than 5 years old should be in the booster seat or on a lap belt in the vehicle at the very least. If they aren't able to, they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition, they should not sit in the front seat when there's an airbag that is active. Sitting children in the front seat can increase the chance of being injured during 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 right child safety seat for them. They can also find out if your child's seat has been recalled due to safety issues or defects. Then, you can buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat, see if it has a refund policy.