When you buy a car for your child, there’s a good chance that they will be sitting in car seats of various heights. And while this is convenient for parents, it may not be the best thing for their children. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that car seats that are too low can cause children’s heads to hit the roof of the vehicle, leading to serious injuries. In fact, car seats that are too low can even result in death. So what height should car seats be? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), child seats should be at least two inches higher than a child’s shoulder. This way, their head and neck are protected in a crash.
The Right Height
The height of a car seat is important to ensure that the child is as safe as possible while travelling in a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that children be seated in a car seat that is at least 2 inches taller than their height, but no more than 5 inches taller. This will ensure that the child’s head and shoulders are positioned above the door and dashboard, making them less likely to be injured in a crash.
How to Determine the Right Height
Determining the right height for car seats can be tricky, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is to determine the weight and size of your child. You can use this information to find a car seat that will fit them properly.
Next, you’ll want to look at the safety features of the car seat. Some have harnesses that tighten as your child gets bigger, while others have belt-based systems that will keep them secure even if they fall out of their seats. Some also have sensors that automatically adjust the seat’s position as your child grows and changes shape.
Once you’ve determined what features are important to you, look at reviews online or ask friends for recommendations. Then make a list of all the car seats that meet your needs and shop around until you find one that’s affordable and fits well with your family’s lifestyle.
Adjusting the Seat Backward
If your car seat is not adjustable, you can adjust it backward to create a more comfortable sitting position.
1. Find the adjustment lever on the back of the seat. It may be in a hard-to-reach location or have a sticker or label attached to it.
2. Lift up on the lever until you feel it click into place and release it to lock into place.
3. Turn the seating position all the way back (the lever will now stop at “0”). The child’s head should be level with the top of their shoulder and their hips should be at or slightly below the seat belt line (not reclined).
4. If needed, adjust the height of the seat using either of two levers on either side of the child’s head (the switch for one being on top of their head and that for the other being below).
Adjusting the Seat Forward
Some parents choose to adjust the seat forward on their children’s car seats to improve the child’s comfort. This can be done by turning a knob or pulling a strap. There are many different height options for car seats, which can make it difficult to decide what is best for your child. Here are some tips on choosing the right height for your child:
If you are unsure about what height to choose, start with the lowest setting and then move up if your child does not seem comfortable. NEVER move a car seat backwards as this could injure your child!
If you have a convertible car seat, be sure to check theManufacturer’s instructions to find out how high you can adjust the front and/or rear of the seat.
Some seats have two height options, such as the Graco MyWay 65 Convertible Car Seat. You can adjust both the front and rear of the seat at the same time by pressing down on two buttons.
Other seats, like Britax B-Agile 45 Convertible Car Seat, only offer one height option – up or down – so be sure to choose that before purchase.