If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you either have an infant or are pregnant. And if you’re pregnant, you know all too well how uncomfortable it can be to sit in a car for an extended period of time. That’s where boosters come in. They help children reach their maximum height without having to use their energy unnecessarily, allowing them to stay seated for longer periods of time. But did you know that booster seats go beyond car safety? They also protect infants from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The National Safety Council estimates that nearly two-thirds of SIDS deaths can be prevented by using a booster seat. If you’re pregnant and want to make sure your baby is safe while sitting in a car, get a booster seat today.
What is a booster seat?
Booster seats are designed to help children reach the appropriate height in a car seat, and to keep them safe during transport. There are many different types of booster seats, with each having its own specific features and benefits.
A typical booster seat is a padded chair that attaches to the back of a child’s carseat. When the child is seated in the chair, the seat will rise up to an appropriate height, providing support for their back and neck. Booster seats can also be adjusted to fit different sizes and ages.
Booster seats are typically recommended for children who are 4 or older, but they can also be used by younger children as long as they remain within the weight and height limits set by the manufacturer. Children should always weigh less than 50 pounds and be at least 18 inches tall before using a booster seat.
When choosing a booster seat, it is important to consider your child’s size, age, weight and car seat compatibility. Some factors you may want to consider include:
-The width of your vehicle’s front seats – Most boosters work best if they attach directly behind the driver or front passenger seat, near the hips or upper thighs (depending on your child’s weight and height). If your vehicle has bench seating in the rear of the vehicle, a convertible carseat or an infant carrier that attaches to your child’s stroller will work well with a booster as well.
-The type of car seat your child is
How to use a booster seat
booster seats are designed to help make a child feel more comfortable during travel. Though the law requires children to use a booster seat until they reach the age of 8, experts recommend that parents continue using boosters until their child is 4 or 5 years old. Here are some tips on how to use a booster seat:
1) Check the height and weight limits of your car’s seat belts before purchasing a booster seat. If your car has a lap/shoulder belt only limit, then using a booster will not increase your child’s safety.
2) Get fitted for a booster seat by your child’s physician or health care provider. The Booster Seat Safety Certification Council (BSSC) recommends that children use a booster seat until they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall and weigh 40 pounds or less.
3) Place the infant in the carrier position, facing away from you and the vehicle’s steering wheel.
4) place the back of the adult’s shoulder against the middle of your infant’s back, with both hands resting gently around your infant’s waist. Apply gentle pressure to help “squeeze” them into place while supporting their head and neck with one hand, keeping their chin off the dashboard and looking straight ahead. Tighten any slack straps to ensure an snug fit.
5) Position yourself in front of the vehicle, facing towards it so that you are looking squarely at your child as
When is it time to get out of a booster seat?
If you are over the age of two, it is time to get out of your booster seat. When you reach 4’9″ or 10 years old, your body has reached its maximum height and weight. Stopping using a booster seat will not force your body to grow any faster, but it will help avoid back pain and other health problems.
Conclusion
It can be a bit tricky to know exactly how big to get out of your booster seat when you’re in a car. After all, you don’t want to end up flying through the air or worse! To make things easier, we’ve put together a chart that will help you figure out how big you need to be before getting out of your booster seat. Just remember: always use caution and obey the safety rules that are in place for both you and other drivers on the road.