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Car Seats by Age Each car seat is specifically designed for a specific age group. Children should use their car seat until they reach the limit of the manufacturer's weight or height. After that, they can utilize a booster until the belts of their vehicle fit properly typically when they are between 10 and 12 years old, or 4 feet 9 inches tall. When shopping for a new car seat, consider features like fabric that can withstand stains, removable pieces that can be machine washed, and equipment that is easy to clean. Rear-facing Rear-facing car seats hold infants and toddlers, securing their spines and necks from injuries in a crash. They are also safer because they spread the force of impact over a larger area. This limits the chance of injury to the spinal cord. Parents are often tempted to 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. That means moving them to a forward-facing car seat only when they've reached their maximum weight or height of their current seat, as stated by the manufacturer. The heads of children are huge in relation to their body and growing. This makes them vulnerable to injury in a crash. In reality the head of a child can exert up to 25 times the force of their body weight in an accident — enough to cause a fatal injury. That's why young children are at risk for fatal head trauma when they sit in a car seat that is facing the front. Many parents think that their kids have stronger necks than older kids, so they'll be able to transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. It's important to keep in mind that a baby who is in the 95th percentile of their age is not stronger than a child who is 5th percentile, and that no amount of push-ups done by teens can change that. In the case of a car accident, a larger child's head is likely to be hit with more force. This could result in injuries to the spinal cord or brain. If your child is outgrowing their infant car seat, you can convert them to a convertible car that allows them stay rear-facing up until they reach their maximum weight or the height limit. In general, children will be the first to reach their height limit and it's crucial to pay close attention to the car seat manufacturer's instructions on when to change to forward-facing mode. If your child has reached the weight capacity of their convertible car seat or maximum height, you will require them to be moved into an adult booster. Most booster seats come with an indicator that indicates the angle to notify you that the seat is properly installed and is able to be turned to 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 best security for your child. Forward-facing Parents are often enticed by the idea of change their baby's car seat as they get older, as it's more comfortable. However, they should remember that rear-facing is safer for children. In the event of a crash that involves the baby facing forward, the neck is at risk. The head could be placed against the seat by force and cause permanent spinal damage. Whiplash is still a possibility even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially the case for children with smaller necks, like infants under a year old. A forward-facing child is also more likely to strike their head on the dashboard or on the window in the event of a crash. Depending on what type of crash occurs and how fast the car is moving, the head may be pushed against the seat. This can result in fractured skulls or a spinal chord. The current safety standards demand that children remain rear-facing until they reach both 20 pounds and one year old age. This is because children younger than one year do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the forces in a head-on collision, which is the most serious kind of accident in which cars are involved. The harness and tether will help keep the child's head stable and reduce neck strain. Furthermore, a rear-facing child is less prone to head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned by body of the 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 forward-facing to rear-facing at any point, make sure you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer to determine if it's safe for them to face forward. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether, as well as the weight and height limits for the seat. Once your child has reached the rear-facing car seat limitation, they can travel in a forward-facing car seat using a harness and tether until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by their car seat's manufacturer. When they've outgrown this, it is time to get the booster seat. Seat booster There is no age or height limit when children can safely stop using booster seats. The booster seat should be used until a child's vehicle belt fits properly. This could occur anytime between 8 and 13 years old. A booster raises the height of a child, so that they can sit comfortably upright in the car. The shoulder part of a belt must be set so that it sits close to the chest, but not over. The lap part of the belt should be placed on the thighs, not on the stomach. Booster seats include a belt guide to ensure the belt is placed correctly. Booster seats are available with or without backrests. The most popular type is a high-back booster which offers neck and head support for children. This is a good choice 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 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 boosters. Some boosters have a lower anchors (LATCH) system that connects onto the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether in the event that one is available. Some require the car seat belt to secure them in position. Check best car seat newborn to see if you can use the lower anchors inside your vehicle, and then read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to utilize them. Some parents may be enticed to move their 30-pound 3-year-old child to a booster car seat due to the fact that the child is becoming too tall to fit into a harness seat. It's risky to “graduate” a child from a harness. If the belt is not secure enough children could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident. Back seat All children should ride in the back of a car for as long as they can with a child safety seat or booster seat that has been properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear-facing car seat, or have exceeded the limits of its weight and height and should be switched to a forward-facing restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat. When your baby is outgrowing an infant car seat you can transfer them to a convertible car seat or all-in-one car seats with an option to rear-facing. 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 in the middle seat of your vehicle. It can be secured with the lower anchor system and seat belt. If your child is out of their rear-facing seat, you can put them in a forward-facing restraint using a harness. These seats are generally used until the child reaches 57 inches in height or exceeds the maximum weight and height recommendations for the seat. The instructions from the manufacturer or the tag on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it can be. If you can it is recommended that all children over the age of 5 use a booster seat or lap belt. If not you can use a back restraint that is located in the middle of the back seat. Also, they should not sit in front of the car if the airbag is active. Putting children in the front seat could increase their chances of injury in a crash, because the force of impact is greater on their smaller bodies. You can bring your child to an inspection station or car seat clinic to get help choosing and installing the right child safety seat. They can also find out whether your car seat has been recalled due to defects or safety issues. Then, you can purchase one that fits your vehicle and your child's size. If you're unable to try the seat, find out if the seat has a refund policy.