Is My Chile Ready To Ride In The Car Without A Booster Seat?
Many car seats only accommodate a child up to 40 pounds. after that,
it's time to graduate to a booster seat. Check the weight and height
limits listed in the seat's instruction manual to make sure your child
is using the right seat.
Kids are safer on a booster seat, compared to adult safety belts
alone, until they're 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 to 100 bounds. Follow
instructions of the Safety Belt Fit Test to see whether your child is
ready for an adult lap and shoulder belt.
Safety Belt Fit Test
Test all children under age 13 to be sure they are big enough to
safely wear the adult safety belt without a booster seat.
- Have the child sit all the way back in the vehicle seat. Check
to see if the knees bend at the seat edge. If they bend naturally,
move on the next step. If they do not, return to the booster seat.
- Buckle the lap and shoulder belts. Be sure the lap belts lies
under the upper legs or hips. If it stays on the upper legs or thighs,
move on the next step. If it does not, return tot he booster seat.
- Be sure the shoulder belt lies on the shoulder or collarbone.
If it lies on the shoulder, move on to the next step. If it is on
the face or neck, return to the booster seat. DO NOT
place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the child's back!
- Be sure your child can maintain that correct seating position
for as long as you are in the car. If your child begins to slouch
or shift positions sot he safety belt contacts the face, neck or
stomach, return your child to the booster seat until al the test
steps can be met.
