Convertible Car Seats for Kids
When automobiles were first manufactured over a century ago not too much consideration was given to passenger safety . Over the course of time there became a need for more safety advances along with increased traffic. While basic seat belts protected adults, there was little concern for the safety of the most important passenger : Children. A lot of changes have been developed over the decades however and as we all know child safety seats are now mandated by law to help protect them in an accident.
Manufacturers have adapted vehicles to adapt many types of car seats that are commonly installed by vehicle owners. Many areas of the country have various laws requiring child restraint seats based on various ages, weight and height to protect them . If a parent or guardian doesn’t use a safety seat the negligence can subject the driver to fines and criminal charges in the event of an accident and a child is hurt or killed. While there is no guarantee a child in a safty seat will escape injury this protection does give them the best opportunity to avoid injury.
There are several types of car safety seats and each has specific guidelines for its safe use. Here are 3 of the most common :
- Infant car seats are designed for infants under 20 lbs and upward to 32 pounds depending on the model.
- Convertible car seats are were developed to be changed to face forward as the child gets older . It is best if children in car seats face the rear of the vehicle for as long as possible. Convertible car seats should be used to face forward when necessary . Toddlers and pre-school age kids should use convertible car seats with a harness until they weigh about sixty-five pounds or outgrow it around age four.
-Booster seats are for children over 4 feet tall and between ages eight and twelve. Booster car seats are designed to elevate children in their seat so the regular seat belt can fit the right way on them. When children have outgrown their booster seat they ordinarily can be allowed to use regular adult seat belts but it is recommended they continue in the back seat until they are 13 years old .
Before the invention of car safety seats the death rate of children in accidents were staggering. Manufacturers now produce car restraints made of polypropylene, a tough plastic that isn’t easily broken . A child properly restrained has the greatest chance of survival in an accident. If you need a top rated model seat see: Graco Convertible Car Seats
Note: Descriptions of different model car safety seats in this article is a general guide. You should read manufacturers specifications before purchasing and know the local and state laws that apply to child restraints in your area.
