When your child outgrows their forward-facing car seat, booster seats are required to keep them safe. All children over 4’9″ tall or who weigh 80 pounds more than what’s recommended for their height/shoulder measurement category (with no exceptions) must use a belt-positioning booster until they’re 8–12 years old and can fit into an adult safety belt properly without falling off due do being too big.
Car seats are important for protecting your children in the event of a collision. All children younger than 13 should ride with their adult driver to ensure they’re safe, and all car safety belts do not fit adults either so make sure you get one that matches both height or weight limitations before getting into any vehicle.
In order words: If there’s no rearward-facing child seat available when occupants smaller than age five hop aboard – it may be best if parents use planner travel times between destinations just like airlines do at check-in counters because this will give them greater peace knowing their little ones stay put during long drives across the country.
When your child outgrows his forward-facing seat:
- The weight and height limitations for a harnessed carseat are listed on the product itself or in its manual instructions; when these conditions are met then you may need an upgraded model that can support more bulk before protectively fitting belts across their shoulders (if applicable).
- Childrens’ shoulders are above the top harness slots.
- Their ears have reached the top of the seat.
There are 2 types of booster seats:
The high-back and backless booster seats are two of the most common types. They do not come with a harness, but they allow children to use lap/shoulder seat belts in their vehicle as an adult would ride shotgun. These sturdy boosters help make sure that strong points on their body—like shoulders or upper arms -are above where those from Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Act specify maximum heights begin when riding without protection against collision injuries.
Most booster seats are not secured to the vehicle with a seat belt or lower anchors and tether, but simply rest on it. However, some models of boosters can be fastened into place by using these methods: one way is through integrated lap belts that go across your child’s body while they’re sitting in their regular chair; another option involves tying off both ends near where you want extra security so there won’t ever need any repairs done again.
Booster Seats Installation Tips:
When installing a booster seat, always read the vehicle owner’s manual and car safety seat instruction booklet thoroughly before using. A plastic clip or guide may be included on some models that must correctly position belts for your child’s harness system to work properly with this type of seating arrangement- follow those directions carefully.
When using a booster seat, make sure that your child is wearing an adult-sized safety belt. They should also be able to sit upright in the chair with both their legs hanging down below and feet on floor level so they don’t have any issues when you start driving or turning around corners – just like adults.
- The lap belt should comfortably fit across your child’s upper thighs, ensuring that they are safe while traveling in a car.
- The shoulder belt should be in the middle of your child’s chest and shoulders. It is off their neck to eliminate any risk or discomfort for them while driving with an infant who may not yet know how these things work, especially if you’re using a rear-facing car seat.
- Lower anchors and tethers can be a bit more difficult to install than usual. Make sure you check the manual for instructions on how best suited your vehicle is.
Using a Booster Seat – Video Tutorial:
This video shows you how to install a booster seat so that your child can be protected in the event of an emergency. When they’re ready, typically between 4’9″ and 8 years old but sometimes as early as 3 feet tall or even shorter depending on their age when we deem them ready for this type of protection-the adult lap/shoulder belts should hold them securely without any issues at all.
Common Questions
What to do if the car has only lap belts in the back seat?
The lap belt is a great way to keep your kids safe when riding in the car. However, it only works if you’re using rear-facing seats or convertibles with harnesses that have high weight limits! You cannot use this type of safety device while seated forward facing since there’s no proper attachment point for belts on boosters under 20 pounds (which means most children).
- You should check to see if your vehicle’s shoulder belts are installable.
- Using a travel vest is an excellent way to ensure kids’ safety while traveling.
- The best way to protect yourself is by purchasing a car with lap and shoulder belts in the back seat.
What’s the difference between a high-back booster and a backless one?
- The difference between a high-back and backless booster is that the former should be used in vehicles without headrests or with low seats; while the latter may suit better for those who have large seating areas. A combination seat often comes equipped with not only harnesses but also removable restraining belts which can come in handy when you’re on your way out of home – just remove them before getting into another car.
Source:
- Booster Seats for School-Aged Children https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Booster-Seats-for-School-Aged-Children.aspx (Copyright © 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics)
The information on this site is not a substitute for medical care and advice from your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that he or she recommends based on individual facts, circumstances or personal preference you have as an adult who is now taking responsibility of caring for another life stage alongside their own childhoods!
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