Previously, the AAP advised that children should remain rear-facing at least to age 2, but the latest recommendation removes the specific age milestone. As your child grows, you'll need to change the direction that his car seat faces and how he sits in it — and you may need to buy a new seat.
Check out this age-by-age guide to keeping car travel safe for your little one. There are two kinds of car seats for infants, and both kinds of seats are equally safe, so the kind you choose depends on personal preference. These are your options when buying a car seat for an infant:.
An infant-only car seat can be used until baby weighs 20 to 22 pounds or his head is within 1 inch of top of the seat. They are generally lighter in weight and designed to be portable. Many parents prefer the convenience of an infant carrier because the seat can be removed from the car without having to unstrap and possibly wake a sleeping baby. The car seat base remains strapped into the vehicle; the carrier simply snaps in and out of the base.
Infant-only seats are also convenient because they can click onto a stroller base. So when shopping for an infant carrier, make sure to look for one that is also compatible with your stroller. A convertible car seat may be used from birth, but infant-only seats fit small babies better. Choose one certified to face rear until baby weighs at least 30 pounds.
Convertible seats are a great option if you want a product that will last throughout the years since they can be installed as either a rear or forward-facing seat.
Plus, most have limits that will allow children to ride rear-facing for 2 years or more. However, convertible seats are not designed to be portable, instead they remain fixed in the car. When your child outgrows the requirements of a rear-facing car seat, he should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness for as long as possible, until he reaches the height and weight limit.
These are your options when buying a car seat for a toddler who has outgrown a rear-facing seat:. Many forward-facing only car seats can accommodate children up to 65 pounds or more.
Your child's last one is just as important as the first. By Emily A. Thomas, Ph. Last updated: February 06, Sharing is Nice Yes, send me a copy of this email. Send We respect your privacy.
Oops, we messed up. Try again later. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Learn more. Because car-seat technology and safety standards are always evolving, there are some things parents should keep in mind: Understand the higher weight and age minimums.
Most boosters have a weight minimum of at least 30 pounds for highback mode and at least 40 pounds for backless boosters. Many also have a minimum age requirement of at least 3 years. Despite these allowable minimum thresholds, CR recommends not moving your child to a booster until she has reached the height or weight limits of the forward-facing five-point-harness system in the current car seat most go up to 65 pounds.
It's also important to make sure your child is developmentally ready to sit upright and maintain proper belt fit for an entire car ride. Highback boosters can give better shoulder-belt fit, midway between the shoulder and neck, and across the sternum.
Good boosters will position the seat belt well. The back is usually not removable on these models. Which type of booster is right for my child?
Which type is right for my vehicle? Backless Boosters These are specialized cushions children sit on. Lightweight, compact, and usually inexpensive…so perfect for playdates and travel. A high-back booster with an adjustable headrest will usually give the best positioning of the shoulder belt. Provides necessary head support in vehicles with low seat backs backless boosters cannot do this, as mentioned in the Note above.
Better than a backless booster at keeping a sleeping child placed properly in the safety belt.
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