There are 5 phases your child may go through for child restraints.
- Rear facing only infant seat
- Rear facing in a convertible seat
- Forward facing in a convertible seat
- Boostered
- Lap and shoulder belt only
Rear facing only infant seat. Ages 0-1 year.
This child restraint is the first phase your child will start at. Also known as a bucket seat, is a mobile car seat that can be snapped into a base that is installed in your vehicle. It is only to be installed rear facing, and your child may stay in this type of seat until their head is one inch away from the top of the shell, or when their weight is the maximum of the seat's limit. Neither legs touching the vehicles seat, or being able to sit up are reasons why your child needs to move to forward facing.
This child restraint is the first phase your child will start at. Also known as a bucket seat, is a mobile car seat that can be snapped into a base that is installed in your vehicle. It is only to be installed rear facing, and your child may stay in this type of seat until their head is one inch away from the top of the shell, or when their weight is the maximum of the seat's limit. Neither legs touching the vehicles seat, or being able to sit up are reasons why your child needs to move to forward facing.
Rear facing in a convertible seat. Ages 0-4 years.
A convertible seat is simply a seat that converts from rear facing to forward facing. This seat will have two belt paths and will be installed facing the back of the vehicle. Your child will out grow this only when he has grown in weight to the maximum of the limit on your seat, or when his head is one inch away from the top of the shell. Neither legs being bunched up or wanting to see your childs face when you turn around are appropriate reasons to move your child to the next phase. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children to ride rear facing until the limits of the convertible seat.
A convertible seat is simply a seat that converts from rear facing to forward facing. This seat will have two belt paths and will be installed facing the back of the vehicle. Your child will out grow this only when he has grown in weight to the maximum of the limit on your seat, or when his head is one inch away from the top of the shell. Neither legs being bunched up or wanting to see your childs face when you turn around are appropriate reasons to move your child to the next phase. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children to ride rear facing until the limits of the convertible seat.
Forward facing in a convertible or combination seat. Ages 2-6
As mentioned above, a convertible seat simply converts as a rear facing seat, to forward facing. A combination seat harness forward facing, then turns into a booster seat. Keeping your child in a 5 point harness until the maximum limits of the seat will restrict movement of their body during a crash which will prevent injuries of the head, neck and spine. Your child will grow out of their forward facing harnessed seat when either he has reached the weight limit, or the tips of his ears are at the top of the shell. Also watch for his shoulders reaching even with the top harness slot.
As mentioned above, a convertible seat simply converts as a rear facing seat, to forward facing. A combination seat harness forward facing, then turns into a booster seat. Keeping your child in a 5 point harness until the maximum limits of the seat will restrict movement of their body during a crash which will prevent injuries of the head, neck and spine. Your child will grow out of their forward facing harnessed seat when either he has reached the weight limit, or the tips of his ears are at the top of the shell. Also watch for his shoulders reaching even with the top harness slot.
High back or low back booster seat. 40-100 pounds.
Unlike the other phases, your child is not restrained while in a booster seat. Your child is "boosted" to allow the vehicle seat belt (that is designed to fit adults) to work and fit properly. Be sure the vehicle the booster seat is in has a lap *and* shoulder belt, and that your child is mature enough to ride correctly in an unrestrained car seat. Trying to lean out of or kneel in their seat are two ways that your child isn't ready to ride in a booster. Also, when your child falls asleep if he slumps over he is at risk of not being positioned properly and you should either remind him to sit up, or find a harnessed seat that will fit him. See lap and shoulder belt only to see if your boosterd child is ready for the next phase.
Unlike the other phases, your child is not restrained while in a booster seat. Your child is "boosted" to allow the vehicle seat belt (that is designed to fit adults) to work and fit properly. Be sure the vehicle the booster seat is in has a lap *and* shoulder belt, and that your child is mature enough to ride correctly in an unrestrained car seat. Trying to lean out of or kneel in their seat are two ways that your child isn't ready to ride in a booster. Also, when your child falls asleep if he slumps over he is at risk of not being positioned properly and you should either remind him to sit up, or find a harnessed seat that will fit him. See lap and shoulder belt only to see if your boosterd child is ready for the next phase.