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As a parent, you know that putting your child in a car seat is important for their safety. But, with so many different car seats on the market, some parents find it overwhelming to choose the right car seat for their child. Here are some things that all parents should know about car seats.
Infants & Young Toddlers –
Rear-facing-only seats – These car seats are used for infants/toddlers weighing between 4 and 40 pounds. Rear-facing-only car seats feature a separate, detachable base, which the seat clicks into.
Rear-facing convertible seats – These car seats are used for infants/toddlers weighing up to 40 to 50 pounds. They are initially used as a rear-facing car seat and can later be used either a rear-facing seat or a forward-facing seat. This means that children can use these types of car seats for longer periods of time. Rear-facing convertible car seats feature a 5-point harness, which attaches between the legs, at the hips and at the shoulders.
Rear-facing 3-in-1 seats – These car seats are used for infants/toddlers weighing between 5 and 45 pounds. They are initially used as a rear-facing car seat and can later be used as either a forward-facing car seat or a booster seat. This means that children can use these types of car seats for longer periods of time. Unlike rear-facing-only car seats, rear-facing 3-in-1 car seats don’t have a separate, detachable base.
Older Toddlers & Preschoolers –
Forward-facing-only seats – Forward-facing-only car seats are used for children weighing between 40 and 80 pounds.
Forward-facing convertible seats – These car seats are initially used as a forward-facing car seat and can later be used as either a forward-facing car seat or a rear-facing car seat. This means that children can use these types of car seats for longer periods of time.
Forward-facing seats with or without harness – These car seats are used for children weighing between 20 and 90 pounds, with the harness or between 30 and 120 pounds, without the harness. Forward-facing car seats with a harness, can later be used as a booster seat, removing the harness. They are an ideal alternative to convertible seats and a safe option for children who are not ready to transition to a booster seat.
School-Aged Children –
Booster seats – These types of seats are secured by the vehicle’s seat belts. They are available in 2 styles- backless and high-back. Backless booster seats are designed to raise children from the vehicle’s seat, so that the seat belt fits correctly. High-back booster seats are similar to the backless booster seats, but they also have a high back area that is designed to support the child’s head, shoulders and back.
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