At What Age Do Children Need Safety Seats?

[CadenFitz]

Children under eight years old and weighing less than 36 kilograms require safety seats. The age at which a child should use a safety seat is determined by the traffic regulations of each country, with some based on age and others on the child's weight. A safety seat is specifically designed for children of different weights or age groups, installed in a car to effectively enhance child passenger safety. It is a child safety protection system that can be secured to a motor vehicle, consisting of buckle-equipped safety belt components or flexible parts, adjustment mechanisms, accessories, etc., and can be combined with additional devices such as portable cribs, infant carriers, auxiliary seats, or impact shields.

[DiSawyer]

As a mom who has experienced the daily routine of parenting, I believe child safety seats are extremely important. Newborns need to use rear-facing infant car seats right from birth because they protect their fragile little bodies. When the child reaches around one year old and weighs over 8 kg, we switch to a forward-facing car seat, which must still be used continuously. Typically, by the time the child is about 4 years old or reaches 18 kg in weight, many parents switch to a booster seat to elevate their position and ensure the seat belt fits properly. I remember my son was still using one at 4 years old—later than his friends—but safety should never be compromised. It’s best to use a booster seat until the child is 8 years old or reaches a height of 140 cm to ensure the car’s seat belt no longer cuts into their neck. Don’t assume older kids are fine—once, I almost rear-ended another car, and the seat kept my son secure. Make it a habit to check that the seat is properly fastened every time you drive. Don’t skimp on time or money—your child’s safety is the top priority.

[Phyllis]

For those who take safety seriously, a car seat is like an additional life insurance policy for their child. From birth, every child should use a seat specifically designed for infants, upgrading as they grow heavier. The key is not just to consider age but also weight and height; children weighing less than 18 kg or shorter than 135 cm typically need a booster seat to ensure the seatbelt fits properly over their shoulders and hips. I've reviewed accident data, and seats can reduce severe injuries by over 70%. It's recommended to continue using a seat until the child is at least 8 years old or taller than 120 cm, at which point the seatbelt can distribute impact forces evenly. Don't dismiss it as a hassle—driving slowly won't help; a sudden brake could injure your child. Regularly check if the seat is loose and inspect it annually.

[PeterDella]

It's too risky to see kids just sitting in the back seat without a car seat on the road. The car seat issue is simple: start with an infant-specific seat from birth, then switch to a larger booster type around age 4. I know a friend whose 5-year-old still uses a booster to ensure a secure fit. Don't rush to let kids use seat belts directly; seat belts are not child-friendly and can easily slip or cause injury. Stick to using a car seat until the child weighs 18 kg—safety first. Develop the habit of securely fastening your child every time you start the car to ensure safe travels.

[VanCarlos]

Children grow quickly, and their body size changes day by day, so car seats must keep up with the pace. Newborns have soft bones and need a rear-facing infant seat to protect their spine during car rides. By the age of one and a half or when they gain enough weight, switch to a forward-facing seat. Then, around four years old, transition to a booster seat to elevate their position, ensuring the seat belt fits correctly over their shoulders and hips to avoid neck injuries during sudden stops. Continue using the seat until the child reaches 140 cm in height or is over 8 years old, as their body size will then be suitable for adult seat belts. The thoughtful design of seats for different stages should not be skipped casually; safety is no small matter—investing in a good car seat is equivalent to protecting the future.