celeryscrew03

Car Seats by Age Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to safeguard children according to their age. It is recommended that children sit in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12. When shopping for a new car seat, think about features such as fabric that can withstand stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and accessories that can be cleaned. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers to protect their necks and spines from injury in a crash. They are also safer, as they distribute the impact force over a greater area. This limits spinal cord injuries. Parents are often tempted by the thought of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing as long as you can. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to transition forward. The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In reality, a child's head can generate up to 25 times the force of their bodyweight in the event of a collision. This is enough to cause fatal injury. This is why children who sit in a car seat facing forward are at the greatest risk of fatal head injuries. Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward 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 teen push-ups will change this. In the event of a car accident a bigger kid's head is likely to be struck with more force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries. When baby seat outgrows their infant car seat, you can switch them into a convertible car seat that allows them to stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Typically, children reach the height limit first and it's crucial to follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to switch to forward-facing mode. If your child has reached their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you'll need to move them into the booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator for angles to inform you when the seat has been properly installed and is ready for flipping into 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 Many parents are enticed by the idea of change their children's car seats around when they grow older because it's more convenient. However, they should remember that rear-facing seats are safer for children. Having a baby face forward in a car seat puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head could be thrown against the seat's front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even if the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are smaller such as infants who are less than one year old. A forward-facing child is also more likely to land their head on the dashboard or window during a crash. Based on the kind of crash is occurring and how fast the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This can cause fractured skulls or a spinal cord. The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year of age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the neck strength to withstand the forces in a head-on collision which tends to be the most severe kind of accident in which cars are involved. The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head steady and reduce neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less prone to head injuries as the impact is cushioned by their seat. When you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can be changed from rear to forward-facing ensure that you read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to face the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height is for that particular seat. When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now travel in a forward-facing seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed by the manufacturer of their car seat. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to get the booster seat. Booster seat There is no age or height limit that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until the child's vehicle belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old. A booster raises a child's height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. It also aligns the shoulder portion of the belt so it is close to but not over the chest. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats include belt guides that help to ensure that the belt is placed correctly. Booster seats can be purchased with or without backrests. The most popular model is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive but they do not provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to 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. Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to secure them in position. You can refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out 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 due to the fact that the child is growing too tall for the harness seat. However, rushing to “graduate” your child from the harness can be dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in the event of a crash. Back seat All children should be in the back seat of a car for as long as they can, using a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward-facing child restraint using a harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat. Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat you can move them to convertible car seats or an all-in one car seat with the option of rear-facing. These seats are usually good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a car 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. When your child grows out of their rear-facing seats, you can put them in a front-facing restraint that has a harness. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child outgrows the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. You can find out the height and weight of the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by looking at a tag attached to it. If possible the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front if the airbag is active. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to suffer injuries in collisions because their bodies are smaller. You can take your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to receive assistance selecting and installing the best child safety seat. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled for defects or safety issues. You can then buy one that is suitable for your vehicle and the child's height. If you are unable to test a seat, check to find out if the seat has a policy for refunds.