Most kids need to ride in a booster seat from about age 4 until age 10-12. If your child isn’t using a booster, try the simple test below the next time you ride together in the car. You may find that your child is not yet ready to use a safety belt without a booster. I like my booster!
NO
NO
The 5-Step Test 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat? Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat? Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm? Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs? Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?
If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to make both the shoulder belt and the lap belt fit right for the best crash protection. Your child will be more comfortable, too! For best protection, all children should ride in the back seat until they are ready to drive. It's twice as safe as the front seat. SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.
P.O. Box 553, Altadena, CA 91003 www.carseat.org 310/222-6860, 800/745-SAFE (English) 310/222-6862, 800/747-SANO (Spanish)
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Does Your Child Need a Booster Seat?
Young children who are placed in vehicle belts rather than booster seats are twice as likely to suffer devastating injuries, including severe damage to the brain, liver, spleen, stomach, and spinal cord. Most children need to use a booster seat until age 10-12 for maximum protection and improved comfort in the car. Q-My child is eight years old. Isn't she old enough to use a regular safety belt now? A-No. Vehicle seats and belts are designed for adult bodies. For children who have outgrown a safety seat with a harness, a booster seat is needed to keep the lap belt on the upper thighs and the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest. Q-How can I tell when my child has outgrown his safety seat?* A-Children should ride in a safety seat with a complete harness system