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Car Seats by Age Each car seat is made for a specific age group. Children should be in their car seat until they are at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they are able to use a booster until the vehicle belts fit correctly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. If you are looking for a new seat consider features such as fabrics that are resistant to staining and removable pieces that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seat cradles babies and toddlers, securing their necks and spines from a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the force of impact across an area larger than the surface which reduces spinal cord injuries. Parents are often enticed by the idea of shift their children into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that they remain rear-facing for as long as is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat after they've reached the maximum weight or height of their current seat, as stated by the manufacturer. Children's heads are big in relation to their bodies and still developing. This makes them vulnerable to injury in a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision which is more than enough force to cause fatal injury. This is why children of the ages of 5 and under are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front. Many parents think that their kiddos have bigger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to make the transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. But it's important to remember that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as 5th percentile kids and no amount of push-ups for teens can alter that. In the event of a car accident, a bigger kid's head is likely to be struck with greater force, which could cause brain and spinal cord injuries. When your child has outgrown their car seat for infants, you can convert them to convertible cars that let them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. Children typically reach their maximum height first. So, it's essential to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer of your car seat on when you can switch them to forward-facing mode. If your child is at the weight or height limit of their convertible car seat, you'll have to place them in a booster seat. The majority of booster seats come with a built-in angle indicator that tells you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. It is recommended to use a booster seat on the back of your vehicle, and only with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in a crash. Forward-facing Many parents are enticed by the idea of switch their kids' car seats around when they grow older because it's more convenient. They must remember, however, that rear-facing is an option that is safer for children. The fact that a child is facing forward in car seats puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head can be thrown back by force against the seat's front and cause permanent injury to the spine. Even if a child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is particularly true for younger children like infants. A child facing the forward is more likely to land their head against the dashboard or on the window during an accident. 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 the spinal cord. The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until they weigh 20 pounds and 1 year of age. This is because younger kids do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is often the most serious type of accident in which automobiles are involved. 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 suffer head injuries as the impact is cushioned by their seat. If you have a child younger than one year old in a convertible seat or an all-in-one which can be turned from facing forward to rear at any time, you should read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe to face forward. The manufacturer's guidelines will tell whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height are for the particular seat. Once your child has reached the rear-facing car seat limit you can allow them to travel in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum 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. Booster seat There is no magic age or height when kids are able to safely stop using a booster seat. 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 helps a child increase their height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide that helps to ensure that the belt is properly placed. Booster seats can be purchased with or without a rearrest. The most common type is a high-back booster that provides neck and head support for children. It's a great choice for vehicles with low seat backs and no head rests. Backless boosters are more affordable, but they don't provide neck or head support. Certain all-in-one boosters allow you to switch between harness and boost modes. They are suitable for children up to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds when used as boosters. Some boosters have lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, in the event that one is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to hold them in place. You can check the owner's manual of your vehicle to determine if can use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it. Some parents might be tempted to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is becoming too tall for the harness seat. But rushing to “graduate” your child from the harness is dangerous. Children can be injured or even killed if their belt is too loose in an accident. Back seat All children should ride in the back seat of a car for as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Pushchairs And Prams who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown its weight and height limits should move to a forward-facing child restraint with a harness until they are too tall for this type of seat. After your baby has outgrown the infant car seat, you can move them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seat with the option of rear-facing. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum weight and height of the seat. Install the car safety seat in the middle of your vehicle. It is secured using the lower anchor system and seat belt. If your child is out of their rear-facing seat you can place them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches tall or until your child outgrows the height and weight recommendations of the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or the tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can support. If possible, all older children should use a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. In addition you should not place them in the front seat if there's an air bag that is in use. Children who sit 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 choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also find out if your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then buy one that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're unable to try a seat, find out if the seat has a policy for refunds.