Child Car Seat Stages
Toddler booster seats are similar to convertible car seats in that they transition with your child from one stage to the next.
Child car seat stages. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear facing seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer. The right car seat can make all the difference in a crash. Convertible car seats can be used from birth but are generally the next step following an infant car seat to allow a child to remain rear facing longer in the vehicle says haverstick. The best practice car seat stages are based upon child restraint systems that have an increased height and weight limit so children can remain rear facing longer and in 5 point harness seat and booster seat longer depending on the height weight limits to keep them safer.
In rear facing mode most convertible car seats start around 4 pounds and max out at between 40 and 50 pounds. There are two types of booster seats. When a child has outgrown their five point harnessed car seat is at least 5 years old and is mature enough to sit properly they can move to a belt positioning booster seat. As a child grows this seat can change from a rear facing seat to a forward facing seat with a harness and tether.
Children can use a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight or height limit of their forward facing harnesses which will be between 40 and 65 pounds. Rear facing car seats until at least age 2 start your child in a rear facing car seat in the back seat. According to the nhtsa a child under 13 is involved in a car crash in the united states every 33 seconds. They come equipped with a five point harness for smaller children to wear in the forward facing position but also work with the cars own seat belt system once the child reaches the appropriate weight.
Children at this stage are not yet ready for adult safety belts and should use belt positioning booster seats until they are at least 49 and between 8 and 12 years old. Most babies outgrow their infant seats before their first birthday. High back and backless. High back booster seats offer a bit more side protection and can help remind kiddos to sit properly.
Car seats if used correctly can dramatically reduce the risk of death or injury.