When to Turn Around Car Seats: A Complete solution for Parents
When to Turn Around car seats. A complete solution for parents, including rules, safety tips, and expert solution on the right time to switch .
As a parent, the safety of our children is one of our biggest responsibilities in life.Turn car seat
Usually when the child is young, it is very important to use a car seat propertly while trips.
Many parents have one question on their minds—“When should I start car seats?”
The answer to this question is not so simple, as it depends on the child’s age, weight, height, and safety guidelines. In this article, we will discuss in detail the types of car seats, how long they should be used in which condisition, when it is enough to turn the seat, and expert guidelines.
Why is the advice of the car seat necessary?
A child’s safety in the event of a car accident depends largely or bigest on using the proper seat.
A rear-facing seat is the quitely for children, as it provides good support for the head, neck, and spine.
Forward-facing seats are for older children, but they are not as safe for younger children.
Therefore, it is very essential to turn the seat at the right time according to the child’s age and weight.
When to Turn Around Car Seats: A Complete solution for Parents
Types of car seats
As your baby grows, you need to change seats. There are three kinds of seats commonly used:
Infant Car Seat
1.Used from birth to about 12-18 months.
2.Always rear-facing.
Convertible Car Seat
1.Can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing.
2.Suitable for use from newborn to 4-5 years.
Booster Seat
1.For older children who are tall enough to use a regular seat belt.
2.Usually used from 6-12 years.
When should you convert a car seat?
From rear-facing to forward-facing
a.A child should remain rear-facing until at least age 2.
b.However, many experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible.
c.(usually up to 4 years) should be kept in a rear-facing seat until they outgrow the height or weight limit of the seat.
Rear-facing is generally safe until they weigh 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg).
👉 That is, the seat should be rotated according to weight and height, not age.
From Forward-Facing to Booster Seat
1.When a child outgrows the height or weight limit of a forward-facing seat with a harness, they should be moved to a booster seat.
2.Todller are usually ready to move to a booster seat between the ages of 4-7.
From booster seat to seat belt
1.When a child is at least 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) tall and reaches about 8-12 years of age, he or she can use an adult seat belt.
2.However, it is not safe to use a seat belt directly before this.
Car seat rotation awareness
1.Never place a kids in a forward-facing position before age 1.
2.Read the car seat manual carefully before rotating the seat.
3.Check the expiration date of the car seat (usually expires in 6-10 years)
4.Do not sit in the seat wearing heavy clothing or jackets, as this will loosen the harness.
5.Before every trip, make sure the seat is properly quickly.
Why should rear-facing seats be used for extended periods of time?
In an accident, a child’s head is larger and heavier than their body.
Rear-facing seats protect and safety the child’s neck and spine by absorbing shock.
Young children are more likely to be injured in forward-facing seats.learns have shown that rear-facing seats down the risk of children being injured in a crash by about 70%.
The reality of car seat use in USA
In USA, many families are still not aware of the use of car seats. However, its use is increasing in big cities and among aware parents.
Placing children on laps in cars is very risky.
Changing the seat at the right time increases the chances of saving the child’s life in the event of an accident.
Common Questions and Answers
Question 1: My child is 2 years old, but underweight. Should I turn the seat around?
No, keep it rear-facing until the weight and height limits are exceeded.
Question 2: Can I use a second-hand car seat?
You can use it if absolutely necessary and if you know its history. However, do not use a seat that is expired or has been used in an accident.
Question 3: Who can check a child’s car seat?
Many countries have Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who check if the seat is installed correctly. Although this facility is limited in USA, it is possible to set it correctly by following the manual.
Conclusion
The correct answer to when to start a child’s car seat is—
👉 When he outgrows the height or weight limit of his current seat.
While age is a guide, the most important thing is the child’s physical safety
Change to a forward-facing seat as your child grows in weight and height.
Use a booster seat as a next step until your child is old enough to use an adult seat belt.
Proper use of the seat is essential for a child’s safety at every condition of their life, from their first trip to adulthood.
