The age limit for a car seat is an important factor when buying a car seat for your child. Car seats are made for a variety of age ranges, and the age limit for a certain type will depend on the weight and height of the child. A rear-facing seat is recommended until a child weighs around 20 pounds.
In addition to federal requirements, state laws vary, so it is best to research the age limit in your state. For example, in Louisiana, children under the age of two must ride rear-facing in a child car seat. If they are older, they must use a forward-facing seat. In addition, children under the age of two are not allowed to ride in the cargo area of a truck.
If you are unsure of the age limit, contact the manufacturer of the car seat. Many states list their requirements in a series of lists that are joined by “and.” To be compliant with a child car seat age limit, a child must meet all requirements before the car seat can be used forward-facing. While this may sound restrictive, it is better to play it safe.
Another factor to consider is whether or not a child should be rear-facing or front-facing. The rear-facing position is considered safer for young children, but it can also be difficult to install a safety seat in the middle seat. The reason for this is because many vehicles do not have lower anchor systems for this seating position. To avoid this, it is important to purchase a car seat that has lower anchor systems.
If a child is too young to use a front-facing seat, it is recommended that he or she use a booster seat until they reach the age-limits. However, this isn’t always the case and it is best to check the age limits for each vehicle in which a child will ride.
In addition to the age limit, there are also other factors to consider, such as the weight of the child. Younger children should ride in the back seat while older children should ride in the front seat. For those who are still in the rear seat, it is recommended to use a booster seat until they reach the age of eight. This will ensure that they reach the 60-pound weight limit and can use a shoulder belt or lap belt.
Pennsylvania recently changed their laws regarding child car seats. New Pennsylvania laws have made it mandatory for children under the age of eight to be safely restrained in a car seat. Despite this, parents should still keep in mind that children younger than eight should always ride in a booster seat until they reach four feet, at least.
There are also various types of car seats that can be used for children of different ages. Rear-facing car seats are padded heavily so that a child’s head does not whip around the back seat.