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Car Seats by Age Each car seat is made to fit a certain age group. Children should use their car seat until they are at the maximum weight or height limit set by the manufacturer. Then, they can use a booster until their belts are properly fitted, usually when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. When looking for a brand new car seat, consider features like fabric that is resistant to 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 protecting their necks and spines from injuries in a crash. They're also safer because they distribute the impact force over an area larger than the surface, which limits spinal cord injuries. car seats by age pushchairsandprams.uk are often enticed to move their kids into forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as possible. The manufacturer will tell you when your child is ready to move forward. Children's heads are large relative to their bodies. They are also growing, which makes them particularly vulnerable in a crash. In reality children's heads can generate up to 25 times the force of their body weight in an accident — enough to cause fatal injury. That's why young children are at the highest risk for fatal head trauma when they ride in a front-facing car seat. Many parents believe that their children have larger necks and can make the transition to a car seat facing forward faster. However, it's important to realize that a 95th percentile baby isn't as strong as the 5th percentile child, and no amount of teen push-ups will change that. In the event of a crash the head of a bigger child will likely be hit with greater force. This can result in injuries to the spinal cord and brain. When your child has outgrown 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. Generally, children will be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to switch to forward-facing mode. If your child has reached the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or height limit, you will have to transition them to a booster. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that will inform you that the seat is installed and ready to change to face forward. It is recommended to use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the most secure protection for your child in the event of a crash. Forward-facing Many parents are enticed by the idea of turn their babies' car seats around as they grow older, because it is more practical. However, they must remember that rear-facing is the best 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 could be thrown against the seat's front and could cause permanent damage to the spine. Even if the child's neck muscles are strong enough, it's still possible for them to suffer whiplash. This is especially true for younger children, such as infants. A child who is facing forward is more likely to land their head against the dashboard or in front of the window in the event of the course of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the vehicle is traveling the head could be pushed backwards against the seat and could fracture the skull or the spinal cord. The current safety standards mandate that kids remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year of age. This is because younger kids don't have the strength of their necks 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 use of a harness or tether when facing rear helps ensure that the child's head is stable and reduces the stress on their necks. A rear-facing child will also be less likely to sustain head injuries because the impact will be cushioned by their seat. If you have a child less than one year old and is in a convertible seat or an all in one that 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 for them to face forward. The guidelines of the manufacturer will inform you whether or not a tether is needed and what the maximum weight and height requirements are for that particular seat. Once your child has outgrown the rear-facing limit of a car seat They can now be in a forward-facing car seat that has a harness and tether until they reach the top weight or height limit set by the car seat's manufacturer. Once they have outgrown this, it's time to get a booster seat. Booster seat There is no age or height limit when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat is to be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could happen anywhere between 8 and 13 years old. A booster raises a child's height so that they can sit upright in the car. The shoulder portion of a belt must be positioned so that it is close to the chest, but not above. The lap part of the belt should lie across the thighs and not over the stomach. Booster seats have a belt guide to ensure that the belt is placed correctly. Booster seats can be purchased 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 that have low backs, and no headrests. Backless boosters are more affordable however they do not provide head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode up to 65 pounds. They can also be used as a booster seat up to 100 pounds. Some boosters come with a lower anchors system (LATCH) that connects to the vehicle's lower anchors and a tether, when available. Some boosters require the vehicle's seat belt to keep them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to see if you can use the lower anchors in your car, and read the booster seat instructions to learn how to utilize them. Parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child into a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is getting too tall to fit in a harness seat. However, rushing to “graduate” your child from the harness can be dangerous. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is loose during an accident. Back seat All children should have the child safety seat or booster seat installed correctly as long as they can. Children who are too big for a rear-facing car seat, or have outgrown the weight and height limits should be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat with an appropriate harness until they're tall 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 that has a rear-facing seat. These seats can typically be used for up to two years, or until your child reaches the seat's weight and height limit. Install the car safety seat on the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt. If your child is no longer in a rear-facing car seat it is possible to place them into a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used up to 57 inches tall or until your child is at the top weight and height limits of the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a sticker on the car seat will inform you how tall and heavy it can support. If you can it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If they can't then they should use the middle back seat restraint. Additionally you should not place them in the front seat when there's an air bag that is in use. Placing children in the front seat could increase their chances of being injured during a crash, because the impact forces are greater on their smaller bodies. It's a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station to assistance in choosing and installing the most suitable child safety seat for them. They can also find out if your car seat has been recalled for problems or safety concerns. You can then purchase one that's compatible with your car and your child's size. If you're unable to try the seat, see if it has a return policy.