How old should a child be to ride in a car seat?
2 Answers
It is recommended that children ride in a car seat after they are at least 1 year old, as sitting in a car seat for prolonged periods too early can negatively affect spinal development. A car seat is a seat installed in a vehicle for children, equipped with restraints to ensure the child's safety in the event of a collision. In cases of a car crash or sudden deceleration, it can reduce the impact force on the child and limit their body movement, thereby minimizing injuries. For vehicles without ISOFIX, the method to install a car seat is to add an ISOFIX interface to the car. You can choose accessories specifically designed to add ISOFIX interfaces to vehicles, and the installation is relatively simple. Once installed, you can then fit a child seat with an ISOFIX interface.
We started using a car seat for our child right from birth. As new parents, we had a rear-facing infant seat ready when leaving the hospital, as the doctor emphasized it protects the baby's delicate head and spine. After our son turned one and met the weight requirement, we switched to a forward-facing seat, then transitioned to a booster seat at age four. Now at seven, he still uses it because his height hasn't reached 145 cm. Age isn't the absolute rule – what matters is whether the child's growth (weight/height) matches the seat's label specifications and local regulations (like mandatory use until age eight). Establishing this habit from infancy is crucial, reducing serious crash injury risks by 70%. Always check certification marks and ensure proper seatbelt installation when choosing products.
