Booster Car Seats – They Last For Years!

Although many of us never had to use, or had even heard of, booster car seats before the 1980’s, they are now required in all fifty states. Once a child passes the weight and height restrictions for the baby car seat he is using, he needs it replaced with a booster seat. This generally is when he is past forty pounds, although other indications can be if the shoulder harnesses no longer fit properly or the middle of his head is at the top of the back of the car seat.

What is the Purpose of a Booster Seat?

Booster car seats work basically just how the sound – they boost the child sitting in them to a greater height so that the lap belt and shoulder harness of the automobile will fit properly. Children old enough to use a booster car seat no longer need the surrounding support of a full car seat, but they aren’t yet tall enough to wear an automobile restraint system without danger of choking or entanglement in the event of an accident. Booster seats are designed to fill the gap.

While sitting in a booster seat, a toddler’s upper body and head are protected more efficiently. Booster seats are available in high-backed versions that can be used in vehicles that don’t have head rests and backless models for cars that have back support.

There are also high-backed booster seats that can initially be used as forward-facing car seats for babies between twenty and forty pounds using a harness. These are held in place by either the LATCH system found in newer model cars or the automobile’s seat belt system and tether. When the child is too large for this arrangement, the harness is removed and the seat is used as a booster for seat belt positioning. There are variations on these conversion seats, including ones that have a shield rather than a harness arrangement, but all work on the same principal.

How Long Does A Child Have to Use a Booster Seat?

Many people are surprised by how long children need to stay in some type of booster car seat after they graduate out of a baby car seat. Some children need these restraints to be used along with a car safety belt until they are seven years of age or older.

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Booster car seats must be used until a child is able to safely wear an adult shoulder restraint and lap belt. A general rule of thumb is that a child should always sit in a booster seat until they are 4’9”. Realistically, booster seats for toddlers end up being booster seats for kids up to eight years old if you choose one with room to grow.

Parents immediately think about infant and baby car seats as a necessary investment when buying supplies, but often don’t realize that boosters are just as important. In fact, booster seats will usually be used for far longer than either an infant car seat or a baby car seat, so choosing one is extremely important.

Sturdiness and room for growth are important, so keep this in mind when shopping. Also consider things like comfort and appearance. Remember, what you think is cute for your toddler may make your six year old cringe when she has to use it! Choose patterns and colors that will grow with our child.

Keeping Your Child in a Booster Seat with Less Struggle

Children are independent creatures, and when they are about four years old they may rebel against using the booster seat. If this happens, remind them of the obvious safety concerns and the need to follow the law – which will probably make no difference at to them at this age. Then remind them that there are advantages to the booster seat for them, such as being more comfortable and being able to see clearly out of the windows of the vehicle.

You can also get booster seat accessories that will make using them more appealing for your child. Check into side pockets that can be attached to hold crayons and small toys, cup holders for drinks and other personalized touches that make a booster seat truly their own.

Also see; EliteCarSeats.com

About The Author

Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her work because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about babies. She has two dogs who are spoiled and one teenager who is not.