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Car Seats by Age Car seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children according to their age. Children should ride in their car seat until they are at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they are able to utilize a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. When shopping for a new car seat, take into consideration features like fabric that is resistant to staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and accessories that can be cleaned. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injuries 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 spinal cord injuries. Parents are often enticed to move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them rear-facing for as long as is possible. The manufacturer will let you know when your child is ready to go forward. Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also developing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. In fact, a child's head can generate up to 25 times the force of their weight in an accident — more than enough to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at the greatest risk for fatal head trauma when they sit in a front-facing car seat. Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and can make the transition to a car seat that faces forward sooner. It's important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups performed by teens can change that. In the event of a crash, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with more force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain. When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can convert to a convertible car seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. In general, children will reach the height limit first, so it's important to be attentive to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to switch to forward-facing mode. If your child is at the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to place them in a booster seat. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that tells you whether the seat is installed and ready to flip to forward-facing mode. Use a booster only in the rear of your vehicle and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best protection for your child. Forward-facing Parents are often enticed by the idea of turn their child's car seat around as they grow older, because it is more convenient. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children. The fact that a child is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks at risk in a crash, because the head can be thrown by force against the seat's front and can cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it is still possible to experience whiplash. This is particularly true for smaller kids, like infants under a year old. A forward-facing child is also more likely to hit their head against the dashboard or on the window in the event of an accident. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is traveling the head may be pulled backwards against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord. best infant car seat www.pushchairsandprams.uk demand that kids remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year old age. This is because younger kids do not have the neck strength to withstand the forces in a head-on collision which is often the most serious kind of accident in which cars are involved. The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady, reducing neck strain. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries as the impact will be cushioned by their seat. If you have a child who is less than one year old and in a convertible car seat or an all-in-one seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing ensure that you read the manufacturer's guidelines about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or whether a tether is required and what the maximum weight and height is for the particular seat. When your child is past the rear-facing limit of a car seat you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. When they've reached that point, the time is now to move on to a booster. Seat booster There isn't a set age or height when kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until the belt fits them correctly and that could happen anytime between age 8 and 13. A booster helps a child increase their height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not on the stomach. Booster seats include belt guides that help to ensure the belt is placed correctly. Booster seats can be bought with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster which provides head and neck support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters can be cheaper, but they don't provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between harness and booster modes, which makes them suitable for kids in harness mode up to about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds. Certain boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether when available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to secure them in their place. Go through the manual of your car to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors in your car, and also read the booster seat instructions to learn how to utilize them. Parents may be enticed to let their three-year-old, 30 pound child take a straight booster seat since they're getting too tall for a car seat. But rushing to “graduate” your child from the harness is risky. 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 of a car as long as possible using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too big for a rear facing car seat, or have exceeded its 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. When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat you can switch them to convertible car seats or an all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing option. These seats typically last for two years or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you own a car with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is secured in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt. If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat, they can be placed into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child is 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height guidelines for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will tell you the height and weight it is able to support. All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If not you can use a back seat restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front if the airbag is in use. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured 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. You can also determine if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. You can then buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing, make sure it has a return policy.