What is the age range for using child safety seats?
4 Answers
Applicable age range: From birth to 14 years old. Car child safety seats, also known as Child Restraint Systems (CRS), are specially designed seats for children of different ages (or weights) that are installed in vehicles to effectively improve child passenger safety. The definition of a child safety seat is as follows: 1. A child safety protection system that can be fixed to a motor vehicle, consisting of a safety belt assembly with buckles or flexible components, adjustment mechanisms, accessories, etc. 2. It can be combined with additional devices such as portable cribs, infant carriers, booster seats, or impact protectors. In the event of a car collision or sudden deceleration, it reduces the impact force on children and limits their body movement to minimize injuries and ensure their safety during travel.
I really want to share this experience with all parents! Using a child safety seat isn't just about age—it's a combination of height and weight. My little one is still using a booster seat at 6 years old, and the key is whether the safety buckle fits snugly against the child's pelvic position. For newborns, the infant carrier must be rear-facing, and don’t rush to switch to forward-facing before age 4. Some parents ask, 'Can we stop using it at three years old?' Honestly, seeing test videos of seatbelts pressing against a child’s neck during sudden braking sends chills down my spine. Safety seats usually have a lifespan of five to six years, so be cautious about second-hand seats with aging parts. Remember this formula: Age 4-12 + Weight 18-36kg + Height under 145cm = Must-use safety seat.
As a practitioner who has dealt with child traffic accidents, the usage boundaries of safety seats are actually very clear. Newborns to 9 months should use rear-facing infant carriers, after which they can switch to forward-facing seats until 4 years old. Focus on three key points: first, whether the child's ears are below the top of the seat back; second, whether the shoulders can extend beyond the seat belt slots; and third, whether the knees can naturally bend at the edge of the seat. European standards require children to be over 1.35 meters tall before using adult seat belts, while domestic recommendations suggest continuing use until 12 years old. Don't be swayed by children's crying—safety is the top priority. The annual statistics on child traffic injuries and fatalities serve as the best warning.
According to national standards, children under 4 years old must use a safety seat when traveling in a car. Three key points to note when purchasing: 1. Rear-facing installation is required for children under 9kg; 2. Infant carriers are suitable for 0-18kg; 3. Booster seats can be used for 15-36kg. It is recommended to continue using until the child reaches a height of 145cm or more. A seat that's too small may cause the seatbelt to press against the neck, while one that's too large loses its protective function. For example, my 7-year-old niece still uses a booster seat and carefully fastens the five-point harness every car ride.
