Around the turn of the twentieth century when cars were invented not too much consideration was given to the safety of passengers in the vehicle . As time passed there became a need for increased safety features along with increased traffic. While basic seat belts protected adults, there remained little concern for the safety of the most precious cargo : 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 guard them in an accident.
Manufacturers have altered vehicles to adapt many types of car seats that are usually installed by vehicle owners. Many areas of the country have different laws requiring child restraint seats based on their ages, weight and height to protect children . 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 injured or killed. Even though there is no guarantee a child in a safty seat will escape injury this protection does give them the best opportunity to avert injury.
There are many 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 the weight of 20 lbs and upward approximately 32 pounds depending on the model.
– Convertible car seats are were developed to be converted to forward facing child seat 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 possible . Kids that are toddlers and pre-school age should use convertible car seats with a harness until they weigh at least sixty-five pounds or outgrow it around age four.
-Booster seats are for children above 4 feet tall and between ages eight and twelve. These 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 commonly can use regular adult seat belts but it is recommended they remain in the back seat until the age of thirteen .
Before car safety seats were invented the number of childrens fatalities in accidents were staggering. Now manufacturers design car restraints made of polypropylene, a tough plastic that isn’t easily broken . A child properly protected 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 various car safety seats in this article is a general guide. You should read manufacturers specifications before buying and know the local and state laws that apply to child protection in your area.