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Car Seats by Age Each car seat is designed for a specific age group. It is recommended that children ride in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits, and then use an extra seat until the 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 brand new car seat, consider features like fabric that resists stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed and accessories that can be cleaned. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They also offer greater safety, because they disperse the force of an impact over a greater area. This reduces the risk of the risk of injuries to the spinal cord. Parents are often enticed by the thought of bringing their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current car seat, as stated by the manufacturer. Children's heads are big in relation to their body and growing. This makes them more vulnerable in the event of a crash. In reality, a child's head could generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is more than enough to cause fatal injury. This is the reason why children who ride in a car seat that is facing towards the front are at the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries. Many parents believe that their kids have necks that are stronger than older kids, so they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. However, it's important to realize that a baby who is 95th percentile isn't as strong as 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the case of a car accident, the head of a bigger child is likely to be struck with more force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries. If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat you can switch to convertible cars that let children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their maximum height first. So, it's crucial to follow the directions from the manufacturer of your car seat regarding when to switch to forward-facing mode. When your child reaches their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you'll have to transition them to a booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator for angles to notify you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle, and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the best protection for your child in the event of a crash. Forward-facing Parents are often enticed to change their baby's car seat as they get older, simply because it's more convenient. But they must keep in mind that rear-facing is safer for children. A baby who is facing forward in the car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash because the head could be thrown by force against the seat in front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to suffer whiplash. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants. A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard, or even a window, in an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the head can be forced back against the seat and break the skull or spinal cord. The current safety standards require 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 strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is the most severe kind of accident in which automobiles are involved. The harness and tether will help keep the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child 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 is in a convertible seat or an all in one that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe to face forward. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limitations for that seat. Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with a tether. Once best infant car seat 've surpassed this, it is time to move into the booster seat. Booster seat There is no age or height limit at which children are safe from using booster seats. The booster seat is to be used until the child's vehicle belt is properly fitted. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old. A booster elevates a child's height so they can comfortably sit upright in the car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt in a way that it lies close to but not directly over the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guides to help ensure the belt is correctly positioned. Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most commonly used booster seat is the high-back, which provides neck and head support for children. It is a great option for cars with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters may be cheaper, but they don't provide neck or head support. Some all-in one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds as a booster. Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether in the event that it is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to hold them in position. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them. Some 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 to fit into the harness seat. But hurrying to “graduate” your child out of the harness is dangerous. If the belt is too loose children could be severely injured or even die in a collision. Back seat All children should use the child safety or booster seat correctly installed for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or who have exceeded the weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing child restraint that has a harness until they attain the maximum height for this type of seat. After your baby outgrows an infant car seat they can be moved to a convertible, or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. Usually, these seats can be used for up to two years, or until your child is over the seat's maximum height and weight limit. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt. When your child outgrows their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child reaches 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. You can determine the height and weight of the car seat is by reading the directions of the manufacturer or by examining the tag on it. If possible the older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If not then they should use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. In addition you should not place them in the front seat when there's an airbag that is active. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions because their bodies are smaller. You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic for assistance in selecting and installing the correct child safety seat. They can also check to see if your child's car seat has been recalled due to safety concerns or other flaws. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to try a seat before buying be sure that it comes with a return policy.