Complete Car Seat Guide ᐅ Car Seat Safety Information for Infants & Kids

A car seat for your baby should be a top of mind for all parents. Roughly 16,000 car accidents happen in the US per day, so when buying a car seat, safety should be the number one priority. Car seats are mandatory starting from birth until your kids grow up enough to fit into adult seat belts. Picking the right child car seat can be overwhelming so we’ve come up with this complete car seat guide to make deciding the best car seat a little easier for you.

At a Glance

Car Seat Safety is essential

According to statistics, a lot of parents  allow their children to travel in vehicles without using an appropriate safety car seat, placing their lives in danger on the road. It’s also very frustrating to know that nearly 80 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly making babies more at risk during accidents.

Just buying the most expensive baby seat is not enough to completely protect your child.  Parents should ensure that it is suited for their child’s size, age and needs. Similarly when buying other gears (e.g. helmet, baby stroller, etc.) for your little one, you need to follow certain guidelines to ensure your child’s optimal safety at all times.

What are the legal provisions for car seats in the US?

At this stage of your child’s development, there is a car seat legislation you need to consider. In the US, child passenger restraint laws require children to travel in size and age-appropriate car seats or booster seats. This law entails that they can only start using seatbelts once they are big enough to fit perfectly in them.

According to CDC, 12 states in the US require car seats or booster seats for children of age 5 and below. 36 states including District of Columbia require car seat use until the age of 6 or 7 years while two states require car seat use through the age of 8 years. Today, some state would need a car seat for every child until they reach the height of 135cm or when they reach the age of 12 when they can already fit into adult seat belts.

Your child’s weight and height are important factors when selecting a car seat. When the car seat is not appropriate for your child’s size, the seat may not adequately protect them in case of an accident.

Car Seat Safety features

Forward or Backward – What is safer for my child?

Backward-facing car seats support the head, neck, and spine. They are designed to distribute crash force and impact across the shell of the car seat.

To protect your child, experts recommend keeping them on a backward-facing car seat until the age of two. Babies under this age are not yet strong to withstand intense crash force in the absence of extra protection that a backward-facing car seat provides. Putting them in a forward-facing position may result to head, neck or spinal cord injuries in the event of accidents.

What are the don’ts for buying and installing car seats?

What is the safest way to mount the car seat?

Mounting or installing your child’s car seat may vary from every vehicle but some basics always apply.

• Always read the instruction on the label thoroughly.
• Always position the car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
• Some vehicles have lower anchors built on the seats where you can attach your child’s car seat. Always refer to the user manual to find what you need.
• Remember to lock the seat belt once the car seat is in place.
•  Ensure proper installation of the car seat by keeping it tightly secured. Wiggle it side to side, and it should not move more than 1 inch.
• For a backward-facing seat, make sure that the base of the car seat is at a level. This will prevent your child’s head from flopping forward. You can check for the seat indicator on the side to help.
• For forward-facing seats, tighten the tether strap for added safety and to prevent the head movement during a crash.

Before buying car seats, it is also important to check the materials used and toxicity of the product to ensure your child’s safety.

Car Seat Size Chart: What size should be used for what age/weight of my child?

Age

• Rear-Facing Car Seat (Newborns up to 3 years old)

All newborn below the age of one should be in a rear-facing seat installed in the back seat. In the event of a crash, this type of car seat cradles following the movement of the child, thus, reducing impact to the child’s fragile neck and spinal cord.

• Forward-Facing Car Seat (1-7 years old)

Children can shift to a forward-facing car seat when they meet the maximum height or weight as specified on the manufacturer’s label. During a crash, the harness contacts the child at the strongest parts of the body to distribute the force and impact and keep the child in his seat. The tether that forms part of the seat limits the child’s forward head movement.

• Booster Seat (4-12 years old)

A child can move to a booster seat once he reaches the top height or weight limits stated by the manufacturer. During a crash, a booster seat positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the strongest parts of a child’s body, thus, reducing injury.

• Seat Belt (8-12 years old)

A properly fitted seat belt must strictly lie snugly across the upper thighs, and across the child’s shoulder and chest. In the event of a crash or pressure, the seat belt restrains the strongest parts of the body.

Weight and Height

• Backward-Facing Car Seat

Can be used by infants up to 22 to 40 pounds, depending on manufacturer’s label. Many convertible seats and All-in-One seats have higher limits in terms of weight and height in backward-facing seats (up to 40–50 pounds) than backward-facing-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies and toddlers.

• Forward-Facing Car Seat

Combination-seats can be used forward facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 90 pounds depending on the manufacturer’s label or without the harness as a booster (up to 80–120 pounds).

• Booster Seat

All children whose weight or height exceeds the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height. Instruction manual and manufacturer’s label that come with your car seat will tell you the height and weight limits for the seat.

• Seat Belt

Most children will not fit in a seat belt alone until 10 to 11 years of age. When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for the best protection.

What is a car seat?

Car seats or child safety seats are the best way to protect your kids when traveling by vehicle. They are made of inexpensive but durable materials like polyester, to withstand prolonged use. In the US, infants or small children have to be restrained to prevent unintentional injuries caused by automobile crashes. Using the right seat for your child reduces the potential risks of fatal injuries, especially for babies and toddlers.

What are the most important purchase criteria for car seats?

Mounting options

European and American car seats differ. The former adopts the ISOfix system recommended by the United Nations while the later utilizes the LATCH system or the Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) focuses on the LATCH system because of the likelihood that the support leg would be misused requiring further action for the parent.

The lower anchor attachment is used to install the car seat in a vehicle with lower anchors while the tether is able to secure a forward-facing car seat and limit forward head movement in the event of a crash.

Breathability/Heat management

Today, car seats for children have heavy padding for better protection from any form of impact. Seats have become deeper as a result. This only means that your baby is now safer to commute, but the downside is dealing with heat entrapment.

For instance, backward-facing car seats are not directly hit by air-conditioning, making your child sweaty or uncomfortable. That is why manufacturers offer premium versions with more breathable fabric to address the issue. So, before making that purchase, take into consideration the materials of the car seat to ensure the comfort of your child during travel.

Convertibility

Convertible car seats start in a backward-facing position for babies. You can switch it to a front-facing position once your children grow bigger. Because of its convenience, a  lot of parents use infant car seats initially and transition to a convertible one after at least two years.

If you start with convertible car seats, take note that these are heavier and bulkier than infant car seats. If you are planning to use it on multiple vehicles, transferring may be a lot more stressful for you.

What car seat types exist?

1. Rear-Facing Car Seat

All newborn below the age of one should be in a rear-facing seat installed in the back seat. In the event of a crash, this type of car seat cradles following the movement of the child, thus, reducing impact to the child’s fragile neck and spinal cord.

• Infant Car Seat: designed for newborns and small babies up to 3 years old and is strictly used in a backward-facing position only.
• Convertible Seat: can be adjusted based on your child’s size and can be converted to forward-facing seat with a harness.
• All-in-one Seat: can be converted and adjusted from a backward-facing seat to a forward-facing seat to a booster seat.

2. Forward-Facing Car Seat

Children can shift to a forward-facing car seat when they meet the maximum height or weight as specified on the manufacturer’s label. During a crash, the harness contacts the child at the strongest parts of the body to distribute the force and impact and keep the child in his seat. The tether that forms part of the seat limits the child’s forward head movement.

• Convertible Seat: can be adjusted based on your child’s size and can be converted to forward-facing seat with a harness. This is best for kids 1-7 years old.
• Combination Seat: this seat transitions from a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether into a booster.
• All-in-One Seat: can be converted and adjusted from a backward-facing seat to a forward-facing seat to a booster seat.

3. Booster Seat

A child can move to a booster seat once he reaches the top height or weight limits stated by the manufacturer. This is recommended for children 4-12 years old. During a crash, a booster seat positions the seat belt so that it fits properly over the strongest parts of a child’s body, thus, reducing injury.

• Booster Seat With High Back: designed to boost the child’s height, so the seat belt fits properly while giving support to the head and neck. This is ideal for vehicles with no headrests or high seat backs.
• Backless Booster Seat: ideal for vehicles with headrests and designed to boost the child’s height to keep the seat belt to fit properly.
• Combination Seat: this seat transitions from a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether into a booster.
• All-in-One Seat: can be converted and adjusted from a backward-facing seat to a forward-facing seat to a booster seat.

4. Seat Belt

A properly fitted seat belt must strictly lie snugly across the upper thighs, and across the child’s shoulder and chest. In the event of a crash or pressure, the seat belt restrains the strongest parts of the body to prevent injuries.

Children can start using the adult seat belt if they meet the following criteria:

• They are tall enough to sit erect without slouching;
• Child can maintain their back rested against the vehicle seat;
• They can maintain their knees comfortably bent over the tip of the vehicle seat; and
• They are able to maintain their feet flat on the vehicle floor.

Materials of Child Car Seats

Most car seat or child safety seats are made of polypropylene, a flexible, tough plastic that doesn’t crack easily. Smaller components such as the buckles, buckle latch plates, harness adjusters, and lock clips, are typical of products from specialty manufacturers.

Manufacturers also select the materials for the cover fabrics based on color, durability, and fashion. The car seat covers and harnesses are usually made of fabrics and vinyl, which should be able to withstand flammability tests. Apart from this, they are also easier to wash. The seats have padding of foam that is flame resistant and meet standards for energy absorption.

Where to buy car seats in the US?

You can purchase car seats online or from your favorite baby shop. The advantage of buying car seats physically is that you can inspect the product and its features. The store personnel can also entertain most of your questions. Though this is the case, a high percentage of parents are buying their baby needs online – including car seats. This is because of the vast array of options that you sometimes cannot see in toy stores or baby shops. Technicians in the shops can also help anytime you need them with regards to the installation of your child’s car seat.

Car Seat Guide

How much should a car seat cost?

The most important thing to keep in mind when buying a car seat is that it fits your child’s needs and the vehicle that you are driving. Next to that is the budget.

Infant seats cost $70 to $200 like the car seats from Safety 1st, Graco, and Baby Trend. Car seats from Britax or The First Years may go as far as $200 to $290.

Booster seats from Combi, Britax, and Recaro may cost $70 to $160 while Clek Oobr runs from $275 to $330.

Convertible seats from Evenflo, Britax, Combi, and Recaro cost around $50 to $280.

All-in-One car seats from different brands cost around $200 to $300.

Can I use second-hand car seats?

Never buy second-hand car seats because they pose a great risk to the baby and the whole family. Second-hand car seats are usually outgrown, damaged, or have been retrieved from cars that met a crash or accidents. Never recycle car seats because you can’t spot damage on a certain part or feature with your bare eyes.

How many car seats do I need during my kids’ childhood?

Don’t hurry to change your child’s car seat until he reaches the maximum weight or height limit stated on the label.

Your child can use the backward-facing car seat until the age of 2 years. When your child is beyond two years old and is already too big for the backward-facing car set, you can put him in a forward-facing seat until he reaches the maximum weight or height stated on the label. You can move to a booster seat once he reaches the maximum size limit since your child may tend to climb out the booster seat if moved too soon.

Changing car seats three to four times during your baby’s childhood is a requirement. This decision depends on the development of your child with regards to size, height, and weight. You can also verify this earlier by checking on the product label.

Toxic substances in car seats

Leading manufacturers of car seats in the US ban some of the most damaging toxic chemicals found on car seats.

A 2016 study by The Ecology Center, a non-profit education group, states the discovery of toxic chemicals on 15 car seats from various brands. These chemicals are usually found on seats as flame retardants known to cause cancer, affect hormone functioning and harm the child’s growth and development.

In compliance with federal regulations, car seat manufacturers have to comply with flammability standards without using flame retardants. This move is significant in ensuring the overall health and safety of the child. This alternative significantly affects the cost of car seats.

Are there any safety certificates for car seats?

To ensure that your child’s car seat is installed correctly, it is essential to connect with a child passenger safety (CPS) technician in your community. They are also responsible for teaching you how to use and install a car seat on your own. In the US, you can find CPS technicians through the National CPS Certification Program. You can simply accomplish an online form and proceed to search by location or special needs training.

Working with a CPS technician is a one-on-one learning experience. At the end of the session (20-30 minutes long), you should be able to know how to properly install the car seat correctly and reinstall it with ease.

Care and Cleaning Tips For Car Seats

The safety of your children is always first so when it comes to cleaning car seats, follow these tips to prolong its use:

• Be sure not to use harsh chemical products, soaps, and scrubs that may potentially damage any parts of the car seat.
• As much as possible do not disassemble the seat or wash detachable materials in the washing machine that may cause damage or deterioration. Use a damp cloth on a strap to avoid damage.
• Mix warm water with a teaspoon of laundry detergent to remove stains.
• Remove excess soil or particles by using a vacuum or a soft brush.
• You can lay flat the car seat under the sun for few hours to dry or remove any strange odor.
• Wipe the plastic portion of the car seat with a damp cloth and a small amount of all-purpose cleaner.
• Pack a towel or any appropriate protective covering in advance if your child loves to snack, is easily nauseated during travel or has reflux to avoid possible spillage of food on the fabric.
• Reinstall the car seat based on the manual. But if you are not capable of doing so, always contact a CPS technician to ensure the proper installation of the car seat.

Useful accessories and additional products

More and more families are becoming aware of the importance of investing in a car seat. For this purpose, car seat accessories can’t be too far behind. The items on our list may come in handy when traveling with your baby:

Car seat toys

You can easily clip various play arches to your baby’s seat to keep them entertained while your vehicle is on the move. You can clip play trays on their seat where your child can quickly grab their toys or snacks.

Car seat protectors/covers

Car seat rain covers are convenient, especially when you have to move your child to or from the car during a downpour. Summer covers keep your baby cool and comfortable during the hotter months.

Car seat protectors may seem like a good idea to prevent scratching and damage on your back seat. But in reality, they could potentially compromise the purpose of the car seat. These additional paddings or materials placed between the car seat and its fixing could mean that the car seat doesn’t fit properly. Be sure that the car seat protector you are getting is appropriate for your existing car seat model.

Car seat strap covers

Almost all car seat strap covers are easy to attach with hook and loop. They are made of soft materials, giving an easy comfort solution for irritating straps. They come in different colors and designs to match the car seat of your baby, and their cute designs are also meant to entertain your child while on the move.

Car seat travel bag

Purchasing a car seat travel bag that has thick padding on all sides and wings protect your baby’s car seat from less-gentle baggage handlers or when you are traveling to another city. The car seat travel bags usually have a padded adjustable backpack strap for easy transport. You can also use it to store other important baby items like pacifiers, feeding bottles, diapers, etc.