For years, car seats have been designed for children from heights of 4 feet 9 inches tall and up. But what about now? In light of the updated crash test results released by NHTSA, now is the time to start thinking about changing your child’s car seat height. The good news is that car seats go up to 54 inches in height, which means that most children who are currently using car seats will be able to use a higher seat until they reach 8 years old. This change will not only protect children in larger vehicles, but it will also reduce the number of injuries caused by car crashes. So if you’re ready to make this switch, be sure to consult your car seat retailer to find the right height for your family.
The Importance of Proper Seat Belt Use
While proper seat belt use has always been important, it is now more important than ever. Seat belts help to reduce the risk of being injured in a car accident, and they are also required by law in some states. The height at which a child should be using a car seat depends on their weight and size.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under age 1 ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach 40 pounds, and then switch to a forward-facing car seat. After reaching 1 year old, children should continue using a rear-facing car seat for as long as it is appropriate based on their weight and size. Once your child reaches 4 feet 9 inches tall, they no longer need a rear-facing car seat.
If you choose to keep your child rear-facing until they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall, make sure to select an appropriately sized convertible car seat. Some convertible seats that are rated for older children (up to 5 years old) can also be used for younger infants if the lap/shoulder belt fits low enough on their upper body.
To ensure that your child is properly restrained in all seating positions, always use the backseat restraint system when transporting your child in the vehicle. This system includes a safety belt or shoulder belt for each person who will be riding in the backseat. If there are no other passengers present in the backseat, use the passenger-side airbag
The Types of Car Seats
There are now three types of car seats that you can use for your child: the rear-facing convertible seat, the forward-facing convertible seat, and the convertible car seat.
The convertible car seat is a special kind of car seat that can be used from birth until your child is out of height or weight range for a rear-facing car seat, or until they reach 12 months old or up to 40 pounds. This type of car seat can also be used in a booster mode from 4-year-olds until they reach 80 pounds.
Here’s a look at each type of car seat, and which one is best for your child:
Rear-Facing Convertible Car Seat
This is the most popular type of car seat because it offers the best combination of safety and comfort for your child. A rear-facing convertible car seat will keep your child safe by restraining their body in an upright position while they are unrestrained by their feet and head. This makes them less likely to be injured in a crash.
Additionally, rear-facing convertible seats are typically more comfortable for children than other types of seats because they recline more fully backward than other seats. This allows children to rest their heads on the back of the chair without having their neck constricted. Rear-facing convertible seats also come with removable head support pillow which can help reduce fatigue during long trips.
Forward Facing Convertible Car Seat
The Height Range for Which a Child Should Use a Car Seat
When is a child too tall for a car seat? A child is too tall for a car seat if he or she is more than two inches taller than the car’s shoulder belt height. This means that most children who are eight or nine inches tall should no longer use a car seat, and those who are 12 or more inches tall should only use one that fits very snugly. Children who are less than two inches taller than the shoulder belt height can still use a standard car seat, but they should be positioned as far back as possible in the seat and the lap belt should be placed low on their hips.
When is a Child Ready to Use a Seat Alone?
When is a Child Ready to Use a Seat Alone?
When children are ready, they are capable of using a seat alone. Some factors that may contribute to when a child is ready to use a seat alone include: vertical lift capacity, age and height, strength and coordination, and independence. When considering when your child is ready to use a seat alone, it is important to consider their individual needs and capabilities.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading our article on what height you no longer need a car seat. In the past few years, there has been a shift in car seat safety regulations that have made it unnecessary to buy a carseat for infants as low as four months old. Infants up to 12 months old can use either rear- or forward-facing seats without any additional precautions, provided they are properly secured in their car seats and riding in the backseat of the vehicle is not an option. If you’re still unsure whether your child is ready to ride in a car without a car seat, be sure to consult with your pediatrician.