When riding in automobiles, kids under seven years old need to get buckled into a child’s car seat.
The importance of car seats is to keep your toddler safe. In case there is an accident, a car seat protects the child, additionally, it protects them from unexpected brake applications. Children are especially vulnerable to injury in accidents. According to survey research, newborn car seats can reduce kid injuries and deaths by 71% and 28%, respectively.
Which Direction Should Kids’ Car Seats Face?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has something to say. It recommends that kids ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Or until they reach the maximum weight or height, the car seat can support them comfortably. Previously, the AAP recommended that children be rear-facing until age 2.
The most recent recommendation does away with that age milestone. It encourages parents to keep their children rear-facing for as long as their car seat weight and height restrictions permit.
What Are The Different Types Of Newborn Car Seats?
Infant and newborn car seats are in three categories: rear-facing, forward-facing, and convertible (which can switch from rear to forward-facing).
- Car Seats For Infants And Newborns.
Infant car seats come in two varieties: infant-only and convertible car seats. Both types of car seats are the safest for newborns and infants.
There are different models of newborn baby car seat types. The choice will depend on your budget and personal preferences.
- Infant-Only Car Seat
You can use the infant baby car seats until your child weighs 20 to 22 pounds. They can utilize it till they reach the top of the car seat, within one inch of their head. Infant baby car seats are lightweight and portable in design.
Many parents like using easy-to-buckle infant car seats. You can take it out of the vehicle without unbuckling the safety belt. It helps avoid waking up a possibly sleeping child. The carrier snaps into and out of the car seat base with ease.
The different newborn baby car seat types also attach themselves by clicking on a stroller base, this provides great convenience. Consider purchasing one that is a component of a travel system that is compatible with your favorite stroller (many have adaptors available).
- Convertible Car Seat
A convertible car seat is possible to use from birth. Small babies do, however, typically fit in infant-only seats better. Do you intend to purchase a convertible car seat? Choose one approved for use until the child is at least 30 pounds and can face the rear.
Do you desire newborn baby car seat types that will stand the test of time? It’s a good idea to have convertible car seats. They can mount as a forward- or rear-facing car seat but most have restrictions that let kids ride rear-facing for at least two years.
It is worth noting that convertible car seats are not portable. The design anchors them inside the car.
Car Seats Suitable For Toddlers
Rear-facing car seats have limitations that your youngster quickly outgrows. They ought to ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Or when their weight or height exceeds the restrictions of the car seat.
Are you purchasing a new car seat for your child because they have outgrown their rear-facing seat? If your child’s car seat is convertible, you can turn it around, so it faces forward. Also available are combo car seats and forward-facing-only car seats.
- The Forward-Facing Car Seat
A forward-facing car seat is comparable to a convertible car seat, but not portable like an infant car seat. It, therefore, uses the same five-point harness system. But, unlike a convertible car seat, it only faces forward and cannot be used rear-facing for infants or young toddlers.
Many car seats that solely face forward can hold kids up to 65 pounds or more. However, the maximum height and weight restrictions are always in the car seat’s instructions.
- Combination Car Seat
A combination car seat serves two purposes. It is a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness for toddlers and younger kids. For older children, it serves as a booster.
In most cases, combination car seats work with a harness until the child weighs between 40 and 65 pounds. You can then take the harness off. Having adapted the car seat, a belt-positioning booster is made. You can utilize it with your car’s lap and shoulder belt. That way, it can accommodate children weighing 80–100 pounds.
Best Car Seat For The Preschooler
Your preschooler quickly outgrows the restrictions of their forward-facing car seat with a harness and ought to switch to a belt-positioning booster. Children up to 80 to 100 pounds can use this booster seat. Most children require booster seats between the ages of 3 and 4 to at least eight years.
Consider using a high-back booster if the car’s backseat is low. Children need head support.
Are Car Seats Safe?
One of the safest pieces of equipment your child will use is the car seat. However, its safety also depends on how accurately you install it. There are mistakes guardians should avoid to ensure that they keep their toddlers safe:
- Ensure that the car seat is not too loose in your car. Hold the car seat with both hands and tug lightly at the base to test it. Infant baby car seats should not move from side to side. If it moves, read the car seat’s instruction manual and lock it.
- Ensure that the harness is not too loose on your child. After securing your child in the car seat, it should be impossible to squeeze your fingers between the straps.
- Do not let your infant face forward too soon. Let your child face the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height capacity of the car seat that allows them to face forward.
- Ensure the rear-facing car seat is at the correct angle. The right angle keeps your baby’s head from flopping forward. The user guide has instructions on the right angle.
Safety First
Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you have the safest car seats.