jarbengal9

Car Seats by Age Car seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes, but each one is designed to safeguard children according to their age. Children should be in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits. After that, they can utilize a booster until the belts are properly fitted and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. When looking for a brand new car seat, take into consideration features such as fabric that is resistant to stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and hardware that wipes clean. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats hold babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate spines and necks in the event of a crash. They also offer greater safety, since they disperse the force of an impact over a greater area. This limits spinal cord injuries. Parents are often tempted by the idea of moving their children forward-facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing as long as you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the height or weight limit of their current seat as specified by the manufacturer. Children's heads are large relative to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times their body weight in a collision which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat facing to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries. Many parents believe that their children have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat sooner. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile is not stronger than a child who's 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will change the fact that. In the event of a crash the head of a child with a bigger size is likely to be hit with more force. This could result in brain and spinal cord injury. If your child is no longer in their infant car seat, you can convert them into a convertible car seat that lets them remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first, so it's important 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 has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved into a booster. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that tells you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best security for your child. Forward-facing Many parents are tempted to turn their babies' car seats when they grow older because it is more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children. In the event of a crash that involves a baby facing towards the front the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the seat with force, causing permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible to experience whiplash. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks, 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 glass in a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pushed back against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord. The current safety standards demand that kids remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. This is because younger kids don't have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision, which is the most severe kind of accident in which cars are involved. The use of a harness or tether when facing rear helps keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces stress on their necks. Additionally the rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries since the impact is cushioned by the body of the seat. If you have a baby under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can change from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limits for that particular seat. Once your child is at the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. When they've reached that point, the time is now to move on to a booster. Seat booster There is no age limit or height at which children are safe from using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until a child's belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old. A booster increases the height of a child, so that they can sit comfortably upright in cars. The shoulder part of a belt is 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 have a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is properly positioned. Booster seats come with or without a backrest. The most common booster seat is the high-back that offers neck and head support for children. best car seat is a great option for vehicles with low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are cheaper, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters permit users to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds. Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it. Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall for the harness seat. It's risky to “graduate” a child from a harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident. Back seat Every child should use the child safety seat or booster seat correctly installed for as long as they are able to. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the limits of its weight and height and should be switched to a forward facing child restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat. When your baby is no longer in the infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing seat. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It can be securely fastened with the lower anchor system and seat belt. When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are typically used until your child is the height of 57 inches or exceeds the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a tag on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it can support. If possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is activated. Putting children in the front seats can increase their chances of getting injured in an accident because the impact forces are stronger on their smaller bodies. It's a good idea bring your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat. You can also determine if your car seat has been recalled for defects or safety issues. You can then buy one that fits both your car and the child's height. If you're not able test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with a return policy.