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Car Seats by Age Car seats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and shapes, but they're all designed to safeguard children based on their age. It is recommended that children ride in their seats until they've reached the manufacturer's weight or height limits and then use a booster seat until vehicle belts are properly fitted, usually when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10-12. When looking for a brand new car seat, think about features like 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 cradle babies and toddlers, securing their delicate necks and spines in the event of a collision. They are also safer since they distribute the impact force over a greater area. This helps reduce the chance of injury to the spinal cord. Parents are often tempted to change their children to forward-facing car seats before they're ready, however the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep them rear-facing as long as it is possible. This means that they should move to a forward-facing seat when they've reached the height or weight limit of their current car seat, as specified by the manufacturer. The heads of children are huge relative to their bodies. They are also developing, which makes them especially vulnerable in a crash. In fact children's heads 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 the highest chance of suffering fatal head injuries when they are in a car seat that is facing the front. Many parents think that their children have stronger necks than older children, which means they'll be able to transition to a forward-facing car seat earlier. It is important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't stronger than a child who is 5th percentile and that no amount of push-ups done by teens will alter this. In the event of a car accident, the head of a larger child is more likely to be hit with more force, which could cause spinal cord and brain injuries. When your child has outgrown their infant car seat you can switch to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or height limit. Generally, children will reach the height limit first and therefore it is important to be attentive to the instructions of the manufacturer of your car seat on when to change to forward-facing mode. If your child is at the limit of weight or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to get them into 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. Make sure to use a booster in the back of your vehicle and always wear a seat belt (never shoulder belts) to ensure the best security for your child. Forward-facing Parents are often tempted to change their baby's car seat as they get older, because it is more convenient. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children. The fact that a child is facing forward in a car seat puts their necks in danger in a crash, because the head can be thrown by force against the seat in front and can cause permanent damage to the spine. Whiplash is still a possibility even when the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is particularly true for younger children, such as infants. A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window in the event of a crash. Depending on the nature of the crash and speed at which the car is moving the head could be pulled backwards against the seat and could fracture the skull or spinal cord. The current safety guidelines require children to remain rear-facing until they reach 20 lbs and 1 year old. The reason is that children younger than one year old do not have enough neck strength to withstand a head-on crash which is the most dangerous type of car accident. Utilizing a harness and tether while rear-facing helps to keep the child's head in a stable position, which reduces this stress on their necks. A child who is rear-facing will also be less likely to suffer head injuries, as the impact will be cushioned by their seat. If you have a child less than one year old in a convertible seat or an all-in-one that can be turned from forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions given by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will inform you whether or not to use a tether and the height and weight limits for that seat. When your child reaches the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a tether. When they've outgrown this, it is time to travel in a booster seat. Booster seat There is no set age or height when kids can safely stop using a booster seat. cheap infant car seats should be used until the child's belt fits properly. This could happen 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 also placed so that it is close to the chest, but not directly above. The lap portion of the belt should rest on the thighs, not the stomach. Booster seats come with a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is properly positioned. Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster, which provides head and neck 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 head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters allow users to switch between booster and harness modes, which makes them suitable for children in harness mode up to 65 pounds and then as a booster seat for about 100 pounds. Some boosters come with lower anchors (LATCH) system that hooks onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, when one is available. Certain boosters require a seat belt to keep them in place. Go through the manual of your car to see if you can use the lower anchors in your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them. Some parents might be enticed to let their three-year-old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat because they're growing too tall for a car seat. However, rushing to “graduate” your child out of the harness is risky. Children could be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in an accident. Back seat All children should sit in the back of a car for as long as is possible using a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded the weight and height limits, should switch to a forward facing child restraint that has a harness until they reach the maximum height allowed for this type of seat. After your baby outgrows an infant car seat, they can be transferred to a convertible or an all-in-one car seat that also has a rear-facing seat. These seats are generally good for two years, or until the child reaches the maximum height and weight of the seat. 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 and is tall enough, they can be put in a child restraint that is front-facing fitted with a harness and tether. The majority of these seats can be used until 57 inches in height or until your child is at the weight and height limits of the seat. You can find out the height and weight of the car seat is by studying the directions of the manufacturer or by examining a tag attached to it. All children older than 5 years old must be seated in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt as much as possible. If not, they should use a back restraint located in the middle of the back seat. Additionally it is not recommended to sit in the front seat if there's an active air bag. Children who are in the front seat are more likely to be injured during 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 best child safety seat for them. They can also find out whether your car seat is being recalled due to flaws or safety concerns. You can then choose a seat that fits both your vehicle and child's height. If you're not able to test a seat prior to purchasing be sure that it comes with a return policy.