syruptail2

Car Seats by Age Each car seat is made to be suitable for a particular age group. Children should be in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits. Then, they are able to use a booster until their vehicle belts fit correctly and they're usually between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. When you are searching for a new seat, look for features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that are machine washable. Hardware that is easy to clean is also taken into consideration. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from injuries in a crash. They are also safer, as they spread the force of impact over a greater area. This helps reduce spinal cord injuries. Parents are often enticed by the idea of shift their children into 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. infant car seat in front seat Pushchairs & Prams will tell you when your child is ready to move forward. Children's head are large in relation to their body, and still developing. This makes them more vulnerable to injury in a crash. In reality the head of a child can generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in an accident — more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the greatest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they ride in a car seat that is facing the front. Many parents think that their kiddos have bigger necks than older children, which means they can handle 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 any stronger than 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter this. In the event of a car crash, the head of a larger child is likely to be struck with greater force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries. When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible seat that lets them stay rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode. When your child reaches the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to put them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that tells you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch to face forward. It is recommended to use a booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in the event of a crash. Forward-facing Parents are often tempted to turn their child's car seat as they get older, as it's more convenient. But they must remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children. A baby who is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash because the head can be thrown against the seat in front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible to suffer whiplash. This is especially relevant for children younger than them, such as infants. A child facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a glass in the event of a crash. Based on the kind of crash is occurring and the speed at which the car is moving the head could be pushed against the seat. This can cause fractures to the skull or spinal chord. The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of 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 type of accident in which cars are involved. The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. Additionally the rear-facing child is less likely to sustain head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat. When you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can switch from front-facing to rear 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 the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height is for the specific seat. When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat you can allow them to be in a forward-facing car seat with tether and harness until they reach the top weight limit or height allowed by the manufacturer of their car seat. Once they've outgrown it it's time to travel with a booster. Booster seat There isn't a set age or size at which kids can safely stop using a booster seat. Kids should use it until the vehicle belt fits them correctly and that could happen anytime between age 8 and 13. A booster increases the height of a child, so that they are able to sit upright in a car. It also places the shoulder part 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 over the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly positioned. Booster seats are available with or without a backrest. The most popular model is a high-back booster which provides head and neck support for children. This is a good choice for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they do not provide neck or head support. Certain 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 when used as boosters. Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, if available. Some boosters require the seat belt to hold them in place. You can check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, you should read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it. Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child into an adult car seat since the child is getting too tall for the harness seat. But rushing to “graduate” your child out of the harness is risky. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is loose during the event of a crash. Back seat All children should ride in the back of a vehicle for as long as they can with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have surpassed its weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat. After your baby outgrows the infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. Most of the time, these seats can be used for up to two years or until your child is over the seat's maximum weight and height limit. If you have a vehicle with a middle seat, install the car safety seat so it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt. If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child reaches the top weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can determine how tall and heavy a car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by examining the tag on the seat. All older children should be in a booster seat or a lap belt in the vehicle, if possible. If not then they should use the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front if the airbag is activated. Children who sit in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller. You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic for assistance in choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat has been recalled for problems or safety concerns. You can then buy one that fits both your vehicle and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat prior to purchasing ensure that it comes with a return policy.