Booster seats can be a lifesaver for infants and young children. They provide extra support so that your child is safer in a car, and they can help keep them from becoming a projectile should the car accident happen. But how do you know when the right time is to switch to a booster seat? That’s a question families often ask themselves, and it’s one that’s difficult to answer without looking at each individual situation. To help make the decision easier, we’ve put together this guide that takes into account different factors, like your child’s age, weight and height. Read on to find out more about when you should switch to a booster seat in your car.
What is a Booster Seat?
Booster seats are designed to help young children safely ride in cars. Children between the ages of 4 and 7 can usually use a booster seat, but children 8 and older should always use a seat belt. A booster seat is not a substitute for using a seat belt properly.
A booster seat helps make a child more comfortable by providing additional height and support. It also redistributes the weight away from the lower part of the body, which can help prevent injuries in crashes.
Some booster seats have straps that keep the child securely in place while they are driving, while others simply attach to the car’s backseat or center console. A good way to find out if your child needs a booster seat is to ask your doctor or car dealer.
Types of Booster Seats
There are many types of booster seats that can fit in a car. When choosing a booster seat, it is important to consider the weight and height of your child as well as the size of the car. Some common types of booster seats include infant or toddler seats, convertible seats, and backless booster seats.
Infant and toddler booster seats are designed for children between 0 and 18 months old and typically weigh between 4 and 25 pounds. These seats usually have a height range of 20 to 38 inches, but can be customized depending on the child’s age and weight.
Convertible booster seats are perfect for children who are already taller than average, or who will grow longer than average arms and legs. These chairs usually have a height range of 26 to 39 inches, but can also be customized to fit children as young as 12 months old. Convertible chairs typically weight between 9 and 35 pounds, but some models (such as the Graco MyTouch convertible) weigh up to 45 pounds.
Backless booster seats are great for children who are shorter than average or who have long legs. These chairs typically have a height range of 18 to 36 inches and weigh between 5 and 25 pounds. Backless chairs don’t require any straps or harnesses to secure your child; they simply sit on top of their regular seatbelt like a regular chair would.
When to Switch to a Booster Seat
When to switch to a booster seat in a car:
Parents often debate when their child should transition from a child safety seat to a booster seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children use a booster seat until they are at least 4’9″ tall and weigh 40 pounds or less. This recommendation is based on the fact that taller children tend to have larger bodies and need more support than shorter children, as well as the fact that almost half of all crash fatalities occur in adults over 50 years old. Additionally, the AAP recommends using a rear-facing convertible car seat until your child reaches age 2, or can sit upright unaided for 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Everyone is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, if you’re between the ages of 4 and 7 years old, it’s generally a good idea to switch to a booster seat in your car. This is because your spine isn’t fully developed enough to sit properly upright in a regular car Seatbelt without the extra support of a booster seat. Plus, using a booster seat can help keep those precious organs inside your body safe while you travel.