Car Seats by Age Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children based on their age. It is recommended that children sit in their seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts are fitted properly, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12. When looking for a new seat, look for features like fabrics that are resistant to staining and pieces that are removable that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean should be taken into consideration. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, shielding their delicate spines and necks in the event of a collision. They are also safer, because they disperse the force of an impact over a larger area. This limits spinal cord injuries. Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them in rear-facing for as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat as stated by the manufacturer. The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies, and are developing, making them more vulnerable to crash. A child's head is capable of generating up to 25 times their body weight in a collision which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. That's why young children are at the greatest risk for fatal head trauma when they ride in a car seat with a front view. Many parents believe that their children have bigger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward sooner. It's important to keep it in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile of their age isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will alter the fact that. In the case of a car accident the head of a bigger child is more likely to be hit with greater force, which can cause spinal cord and brain injuries. When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, you can change to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will attain their maximum height first and it's crucial to be attentive to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing. When your child reaches the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will require them to be moved into the booster. The majority of booster seats have an indicator for angles to notify you when the seat has been properly installed and is ready to be flipped to forward-facing mode. You should only use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in case of crash. Forward-facing Parents are often enticed by the idea of turn their child's car seat around as they get older, because it is more comfortable. But they should remember that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children. If you crash with the baby facing toward the rear the neck is at risk. The head can be hit against the seat with force, causing permanent spinal damage. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible to suffer whiplash. This is especially true for smaller kids that aren't yet a year old. A child who is facing forward is more likely to land their head on the dashboard or in front of the window during a crash. Depending on the kind of crash takes place and the speed at which the car is moving the head could be placed against the seat. This could result in a fractured skull or spinal chord. The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until both they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. The reason for this is that younger children do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash, which is the most serious kind of car crash. The harness and tether will help keep the child's head in place, reducing neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries, as the impact is cushioned by their seat. When you have a child 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 manufacturer's guidelines about 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 height and weight limits for the seat. When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat, they can be in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight or height limit set by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they've surpassed this, it is time to travel in the booster seat. Booster seat There is no age limit or height that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until a child's belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old. A booster can increase the height of a child so that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder part of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not over. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide to ensure the belt is properly placed. Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most popular model is a high-back booster which provides head and neck support for children. It's a good choice for cars with low seat backs, and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children from to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster. Some boosters are equipped with a lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when one is available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to hold them in place. You can refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to determine if are able to use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it. Some parents may be tempted to let their 3-year old 30 pounds child take a straight booster seat because they're growing too tall for the harness car seat. But rushing to "graduate" your child out of the harness can be dangerous. If the belt is loose children could be severely injured or even die in an accident. Back seat All children should have the child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly as long as they can. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded its height and weight limits should be moved to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat. Once your child has outgrown an infant car seat, you can switch them to a convertible car seat or 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 secured in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt. If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed in a child restraint that is front-facing equipped with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used up to 57 inches in height or until your child is at the weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it can support. If you can, all older children should sit in a booster or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front when the airbag is in use. https://www.pushchairsandprams.uk/categories/baby-car-seats who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured during a collision because their bodies are smaller. You can bring your child to an inspection station or a car seat clinic to get help selecting and installing the best child safety seat. They can also check if your car seat is being 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 unable to test a seat before purchasing ensure that it comes with an exchange policy.