When you’re shopping for a car seat, the options can seem overwhelming. Do you need a rear-facing seat? A convertible seat? A booster seat? The good news is that there’s a seat for everyone—as long as you understand your child’s age and weight. Here are four age guidelines to help make your decision: 0-3 Months: A baby shouldn’t be in a carseat yet, but they should be restrained in a rear-facing infant car seat or harnessed in a specially designed infant carrier. 3-6 Months: Your child should be riding in a rear-facing carseat or booster seat. 6-12 Months: Most children between 6 and 12 months old are ready to use a convertible carseat or booster seat. These seats can convert from a forward-facing to a rear-facing position. 1 Year and Up: A child is ready to use a regular seatbelt without a booster.
What is a Booster Car Seat?
Booster seats are designed to help children grow taller and avoid back and neck injuries by boosting their height while in the car. They come in a variety of heights, so you can find one that fits your child perfectly.
Some booster seats only have a limited range, so if your child outgrows the seat before they reach the limit, they may not be able to use it properly. Make sure you check the dimensions of the booster seat before purchasing it to ensure it will fit in your vehicle.
What to Consider When Buying a Booster Car Seat
When you’re shopping for a booster car seat, there are a few things to consider. Here are the basics:
-The weight of the baby and the type of car you’re using. A heavier baby will need a heavier booster seat, and vice versa.
-The height of the car seat. Some seats are adjustable up to 37 inches, but most are 27 to 32 inches high. This is important because taller drivers often have higher cars, and shorter drivers may need a higher car seat than they think.
-The age range for the car seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a guideline that says children should use a booster until they reach 4th grade or until they reach 12 years old, whichever comes first. But be aware that many states have different guidelines, so it’s always best to check with your state department of motor vehicles (DMV).
-Other safety features of the booster car seat. Many include harnesses and padding to protect your child in case of an accident.
How to Use a Booster Car Seat
booster car seats are designed to help children ages 4-8 years old safely travel in a vehicle. They use a specially designed seatbelt that helps the child stay properly seated in the car.
Booster seats should only be used when your child is tall enough to correctly fit into the seat belt and the shoulder straps fit snugly around his or her upper body. Your child’s height, weight and age will help you determine when they are ready for a booster seat.
If your child is already using a safety belt, do not add a booster seat until he or she outgrows the safety belt’s recommended range of heights/weights. A booster seat should never be used as a substitute for adult supervision while driving.
To install your booster car seat: 1) open the folding arms if they’re closed; 2) place the car seat on top of the base; 3) close the arms; 4) secure with two latch plates (one at each end); 5) tighten screw at base
When Should Your Baby Move From a Rear-Facing Car Seat to a Booster Car Seat?
Booster car seats should be used by your baby from the time they reach 35 pounds, but this can vary depending on the weight and size of your child. A booster seat should also be used until your child reaches at least 4 feet 9 inches in height, or their second birthday.
What If My Baby Is Too Big for a Rear-Facing Car Seat?
If your baby is too big for a rear-facing car seat, you may be able to use a forward-facing car seat for up to age 8 or until your child reaches the maximum height and weight limits of the car seat. Be sure to read the instructions that come with your carseat to find out more about its size and weight requirements.
What if I’m Unable to Afford a Booster Car Seat?
booster seats are not just for younger children. Many adults use them, too! If you’re unable to afford a booster car seat but your child is still too young for one, there are other options. You can try using a car seat belt attachment or a harness. A belt attachment is like a belt and straps that go around your waist and attach to the car seat. It’s best if the car seat has a locking mechanism so it’s harder for your child to remove the belt attachment. A harness attaches to your child’s waist and has straps that go over their shoulders and across their chest. Harnesses vary in how tight they are; some are very tight and others are less so. Some people find them more comfortable than belts because they distribute the weight more evenly across the child’s body, but both belts and harnesses should always be checked regularly for proper fit .
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when purchasing a booster car seat, including your child’s age and weight. However, the age you use a booster car seat isn’t one of those things. Booster seats should be used from when your child reaches the height or weight limit for their car seat, whichever comes first. This means that if your 3-year-old weighs 20 pounds, he or she should use a booster until he or she reaches 44 inches tall and 22 pounds.