What Experts Say You Should Learn

Car Seats by Age

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

When you are looking for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that resists staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats are designed to hold infants and toddlers, protecting their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They're also safer as they spread the impact force over more of a larger area which reduces injuries to the spinal cord.

Parents are often tempted to 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. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to transition forward.

Heads of children are large in relation to their bodies, and are developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. In fact the head of a child could generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in an accident -- more than enough to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who are in a car seat facing to the side are at a higher chance of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward faster. However, it's important to realize 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 crash the head of a child with a bigger size will likely be hit with greater force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain.

If your child is no longer in their infant car seats cheap car seat, you can change to a convertible seat that lets them stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. Children usually attain their maximum height first. This is why it is crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

When your child is at their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you'll require them to be moved to a booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator that indicates the angle to inform you when the seat has been properly installed and is able to be flipped to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the rear of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best security for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats when they get older because it seems more convenient. They must remember, however that rear-facing is the best car seat Newborn uk option for children.

If you crash with a baby car seat facing towards the front, the neck could be at risk. The head could be hit against the seat and cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash is still a possibility even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly true for smaller kids such as infants who are less than one year old.

A child facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in an accident. Based on the kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be hit against the seat. This could result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards mandate that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year of age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision, which is often the most severe type of accident in which automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether will help keep the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to sustain head injuries, as 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 changed from rear-facing to forward-facing at any time, read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height are for that particular seat.

Once your child is at the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with tether. Once they've outgrown it you can now take them on a trip with a booster.

Seat booster

There is no set age or height when kids can safely stop using the booster seat. The booster seat should be used until the child's belt fits properly. This can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster elevates a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the 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 rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide that helps to ensure that the belt is placed correctly.

Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster, which provides head and neck support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable but they don't offer neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether if available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if you can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to understand how to use it.

Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound, 3-year-old child into a booster car seat because the child is becoming too tall to fit in a harness seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child from the harness can be dangerous. If the belt is not secure enough, children can be seriously injured or even killed in a collision.

Back seat

All children should sit in the back of a vehicle for as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too tall for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

After your baby outgrows an infant car seats uk car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to two years or until your child is over the seat's maximum height and weight limit. If you have a vehicle 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 grown out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. These seats are typically used until your child is the height of 57 inches or exceeds the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be.

All children over the age of 18 should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt for a vehicle at the very least. If not then they should use a back restraint located in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front if the airbag is activated. Sitting children in the front seat could increase the risk of injury in an accident because the impact forces are greater 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 best car seat newborn child safety seat. They can also check whether your car seat has been recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that is compatible with your vehicle and your child's size. If you're not able test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with a return policy.