What is the general age range for children to use car safety seats?
2 Answers
Car safety seats are generally designed for children under eight years old and weighing less than 36 kilograms. The age until which a child should use a safety seat depends on the traffic regulations of each country, with some based on age and others on the child's weight. Below is relevant information about child safety seats: 1. Most national regulations mandate usage for children under 8 years old, though some specify 6 years old, often with additional weight requirements. Typically, children weighing under 36 kg must use them, while Americans customarily use them until a child reaches 100 lbs (45 kg). 2. China has not yet legislated mandatory child seat usage, so the appropriate age can only be referenced from other countries' standards. Considering the physical characteristics of Chinese children, those under 10 years old weighing less than 36 kg should still use them, while children over 5 years old exceeding 36 kg (excluding obese children) may discontinue usage.
I can totally relate to this. My baby started using a carrier-style car seat right after coming home from the hospital. The general rule is: newborns use rear-facing infant carriers, switch to forward-facing seats around 1 year old or when exceeding 9kg in weight; use five-point harness seats before age 4, then switch to booster seats secured by vehicle seat belts when the child exceeds 18kg. The key is watching the child's height - when their ears pass the top of the seatback or the seatbelt cuts into their neck, it's time to upgrade. I once saw parents letting a 3-year-old sit directly on the car seat during a road trip - the child almost flew out during sudden braking. Car seats are absolutely not something to skimp on.
