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Car Seats by Age Car seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and shapes, but they're all designed to protect children based on their age. It's recommended that children ride in their seat until they meet the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then get a booster seat until vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they attain 4 feet 9 inches in height or age 10-12. When looking for a new seat look for features such as fabric that is resistant to stains and removable pieces that can be washed in the machine. Hardware that is easy to clean should be considered. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats cradle infants and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from injuries in a crash. They are also safer, as they distribute the impact force over a larger area. This reduces the risk of spinal cord injuries. Parents are often tempted by the thought of bringing 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 move forward. Children's heads are large relative to their bodies and still growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In reality, a child's head could generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in a collision — enough to cause a deadly injury. That's why young children are at chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they are in a car seat that is facing the front. Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a kid who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups done by teens will alter that. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with greater force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain. If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can switch to convertible cars that let children to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. This is why it is crucial to follow the directions of the car seat manufacturer on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode. If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, you'll have to get them into an adult booster seat. The majority of booster seats have an angle indicator to inform you that the seat is properly installed and is ready to be turned to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your vehicle and always with a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the best security for your child. Forward-facing Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their baby's car seat as they get older, because it is more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing seats are an option that is safer for children. A baby who is facing forward in car seats puts their necks at risk in a crash because the head can be thrown by force against the front seat and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible to experience whiplash. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks that aren't yet a year old. A child who is facing in the direction of the driver is more likely hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in a crash. Depending on the type of crash and the speed at which the car is moving the head may be pulled into the seat and may break the skull or spinal cord. The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year old age. This is because younger kids don't have the neck strength to withstand the force in a head-on collision which tends to be the most serious type of accident in which cars are involved. The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head steady which reduces neck strain. A child facing the rear will be less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact is cushioned by their seat. If you have a child under a year in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or the need for a tether exists and what the maximum weight and height are for that particular seat. Once your child has reached the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat that has a tether. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to move into a booster seat. Seat booster There is no age limit or height 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 happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old. infant car seat best helps a child increase their 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 part of the belt should lie across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to help ensure the belt is positioned correctly. Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most popular 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 can be cheaper, however they don't offer neck or head support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between harness and booster modes, making them suitable for kids in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds. Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) which connects to the lower anchors on the vehicle and a tether when available. Some require the car seat belt to keep them in position. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors on your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them. Some parents may be tempted to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the car seat. However, rushing to “graduate” your child out of the harness is risky. If the belt is not secure enough, children can be seriously injured or even die in an accident. Back seat All children should have the child safety or booster seat installed correctly for as long as they're able. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or who have exceeded the limits of its weight and height they should change to a forward-facing child restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat. When your baby is no longer in an infant car seat they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat with an open rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child is at the maximum height and weight of the seat. 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 and is tall enough, they can be put into a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. Typically, these seats can be used until 57 inches or until your child outgrows the maximum weight and height limits of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will tell you the height and weight it is able to support. All older children should be in a booster seat or a lap belt in the vehicle, if possible. If not, they should use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. It is also recommended to not sit in front when the airbag is active. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions because their bodies are smaller. It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in deciding on and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also find out if your car seat is being recalled due to defects or safety issues. You can then buy one that is compatible with your vehicle and the child's height. If you're unable to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.