공지사항

car seats by age (Scientific Programs link for more info)

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but each one is designed to safeguard children based on their age. Children should ride in their car seat until they reach the manufacturer's weight or height limits. Then, they can use a booster until the vehicle belts fit correctly, usually 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 such as fabric that can withstand staining, pieces that are removable and can be machine washed and equipment that is easy to clean.

Rear-facing

Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers to protect their spines and necks from injury in a crash. They also offer greater safety, since they spread the force of impact across a wider area. This helps reduce spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed by the idea of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing for as long as you can. That means moving them to a forward-facing seat only after they've reached the maximum weight or height limit of their current seat, as specified by the manufacturer.

Children's heads are large relative to their bodies and still growing, which makes them more vulnerable to crash. A child's head can produce up to 25 times their body weight in a collision that is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they sit in a car seat inserts for newborns seat that is facing the front.

Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and can make the transition to a car seat that faces forward sooner. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups performed by teens will change the fact that. In the event of a crash the head of a bigger child will likely be struck with greater force. This can lead to injuries to the spinal cord and brain.

If your child is outgrowing their car seat for infants, you can switch to a convertible car that allows them to remain rear-facing until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. In general, children will attain their maximum height first, so it's important to pay close attention to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing.

If your child has reached their convertible car seat's weight or height limit, you will require them to be moved to a booster. Most booster seats have a built-in angle indicator that will inform you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch to forward-facing mode. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your car and always with the seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure protection for your child.

Forward-facing

Many parents are enticed to turn their babies' car seats around when they grow older because it's more convenient. They must remember, however, that rear-facing is the best infant car seat option for children.

A baby who is facing forward in car seats puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head can be thrown 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 applicable to children who are smaller that aren't yet one year old.

A child facing towards the front is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in the event of a crash. Depending on the kind of crash is occurring and how fast the car is moving, the head could be placed against the seat. This can result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 pounds and 1 year old. This is because younger kids don't have the neck strength to withstand the forces involved in a head-on collision, which tends to be the most severe type of accident in which automobiles are involved.

Utilizing a harness and tether when rear-facing helps keep the child's head in a stable position and reduces the strain on their necks. Furthermore that a child who is rear-facing is less prone to head injuries because the impact is cushioned by body of the seat.

If you have a child less than one year old, and they are in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be changed from rear-facing to forward facing infant car seat-facing at any time, read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine when it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the weight and height limitations for that particular seat.

Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing car seat limit They can now travel in a forward-facing seat using a harness and tether until they reach the maximum weight limit or height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they've outgrown it you can now take them on a trip with a booster.

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 can occur anywhere between 8 and 13 years old.

A booster helps a child increase their height so that they are able to sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt is positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide that helps to ensure that the belt is correctly placed.

Booster seats come with or without backrests. The most common type is a high-back booster, which offers neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles with low backs and have no headrests. Backless boosters may be less expensive but they do not provide head or neck support. Certain all-in-one boosters let you switch between boost and harness modes. They are suitable for children weighing up to 65 pounds in harness mode, and up to 100 pounds as a booster.

Some boosters have an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, in the event that it is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. You can check the owner's manual for your vehicle to find out if you are able to use the lower anchors. Also, make sure you read the instructions for the booster seat to know how to use it.

Parents may be enticed to let their 3-year old, 30 pound child go straight to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the car seat. It's risky to "graduate" the child from to a harness. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is not secure enough in a crash.

Back seat

All children should ride in the back seat of a car as long as is possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that's been properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat or have exceeded its height and weight limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with a harness until they're too tall for this type of seat.

After your baby outgrows an infant car seat newborn car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that has a rear-facing position. Most of the time, these seats can be used up to two years, or until your child outgrows the seat's weight and height limit. If you have a vehicle with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat in a way that it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat, they can be placed into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. In general, these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child reaches the maximum weight and height recommendations of the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will let you know how tall and heavy it can be.

If it is possible it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't utilize the middle back seat restraint. Also, they should not sit in front of the car if the airbag is active. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured in collisions since their bodies are smaller.

It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat has been recalled for flaws or safety concerns. You can then buy one that is suitable for your car and the child's height. If you're not able to test a seat before purchasing be sure that it comes with an exchange policy.