How Can A Weekly Car Seats By Age Project Can Change Your Life

Car Seats by Age Car seats are available in a variety shapes and sizes, but each one is 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 an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12. 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 washed by machines, and accessories that can be cleaned. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from injury in 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 tempted by the thought of moving their children forward facing before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to keep them rear-facing as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat when they've reached their height or weight limit of their current seat as specified by the manufacturer. Children's head are large in relation to their body and growing. This makes them vulnerable in a crash. A child's head can generate up to 25 times the weight of their body in the event of a collision that is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is why children who ride in a car seat that is facing towards the front are at the highest risk of fatal head injuries. Many parents believe that their children have stronger necks and are able to make the transition to a car seat that faces forward earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a child who's 5th percentile, and no amount of push-ups by teens will change this. In the case of a car accident, a bigger kid's head is more likely to be hit with greater force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries. When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible seat that allows them to remain facing the rear until they reach the maximum height or weight limit. In general, children will attain their maximum height first and therefore it is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when you should switch to forward-facing. If your child has reached the weight limit of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will require them to be moved into the booster. The majority of booster seats come with an integrated angle indicator that will inform you that the seat is installed and is ready to switch into forward-facing mode. Use a booster only at the back of your car and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to provide the most secure security for your child. Forward-facing Many parents are enticed to turn their babies' car seats when they grow older because it is more practical. They must remember, however that rear-facing seats are an option that is safer for children. In a crash with an infant facing toward the rear the neck could be at risk. The head can be thrown against the front seat with force, causing permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash can still occur even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly the case for children with smaller necks such as infants who are less than a year old. A child facing the forward is more likely to strike their head on the dashboard or on the window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling, the head can be forced into the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord. The current safety standards mandate that children remain rear-facing until they attain 20 pounds and one year of age. The reason is that children who are younger do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most dangerous type of car accident. The harness and tether will aid in keeping the child's head steady and reduce neck strain. A rear-facing child will also be less prone to head injuries, as 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 be changed from front-facing to rear, make sure to read the guidelines of the manufacturer on when it is safe for your child to look towards the front. The guidelines will inform you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the height and weight limits for the seat. When your child reaches the maximum height or weight permitted by the car seat manufacturer, they can use a forward-facing seat with tether. Once they've outgrown it, you can now take them on a trip with a booster. Seat booster There is no age or height limit when children can safely stop using booster seats. Kids should use one until the belt fits them properly and that could take anytime between age 8 and 13. best car seats infant increases the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in a car. The shoulder portion of a belt is also set so that it sits close to the chest, but not above. The lap portion of the belt should rest across the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with a belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly placed. Booster seats are available with or without a backrest. The most popular booster seat is the high-back type that offers neck and head support for children. This is a good option for vehicles that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they do not provide neck or head support. Some 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 come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that it is available. Others require the vehicle seat belt to keep them in place. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual to find out if you can use the lower anchors. Also, read the instructions for the booster seat to learn how to use it. Some parents might be tempted to transfer their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is growing too tall to fit into the harness seat. But rushing to “graduate” your child out of the harness can be dangerous. Children could 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 as long as 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 weight and height limits and should be switched to a forward-facing restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat. After your baby outgrows the infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing position. These seats typically last for two years, or until the child is at the maximum weight and height of the seat. If you have a vehicle with a middle seat install the car safety seat so that it is securely secured in this location with the lower anchor system or seat belt. If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them in a front-facing child restraint fitted with a harness and tether. These seats are typically used until your child is the height of 57 inches or attains the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. The instructions of the manufacturer or a sticker on the car seat will tell you the height and weight it can be. If you can the older children should be seated in a booster seat or lap belt. If they aren't able to then they should use the middle back seat restraint. They should also not sit in front of the car if the airbag is in use. Placing children in the front seat can increase the risk of injury in an accident because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies. It's a good idea 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 for them. You can also determine if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or flaws. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you are unable to test the seat, find out if the seat has a policy for refunds.