Raising a family is hard enough without worrying about car safety. Between the demands of work and school, balancing the grocery list and trying to get everyone in the car without killing anyone, it’s no wonder parents are struggling to find time to teach their kids about road safety. That’s where booster seats come in. Booster seats help children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years old ride in a car safely by providing additional support for their back and neck. As your child grows, you will have to make a decision about when they are ready to use a booster seat in a car. Here are four age guidelines to help you make an informed decision:
Booster seats for toddlers
booster seats for toddlers are a great way to help keep your toddler safe in the car. They can be used from as early as 12 months old, but should only be used with a seat that is correctly fitted for their size and weight. Booster seats should never be used in a forward-facing position, and they should only be used in cars with seat belts fitted.
Booster seats for preschoolers
booster seats for toddlers are typically used until a child reaches the height and weight limit of their seat. However, booster seats may not be necessary for preschoolers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children use a booster seat only if they reach the height or weight limit of their car seat and are unable to sit in the seat without assistance. Preschoolers who are 4’8″ or taller and weigh more than 50 pounds should use a booster seat if the car seat belt does not fit snugly around their waist. A booster seat should also be used for children who are shorter than 4’4″, have large heads or bodies, or whose weight fluctuates greatly from day to day.
Booster seats for school-aged children
Booster seats for school-aged children are typically recommended to be used from 4 to 7 years old. However, a child’s size and weight may change throughout their life, so it is important to check the seat’s manufacturer’s guidelines for use at different ages. Booster seats should fit snugly against a child’s body and should extend above the child’s shoulder blades. Seat belts should be used when a booster seat is not being used as a regular seat.
Booster seats for older children
When it comes to booster seats, the AAP recommends using them until your child is 4th grade age or when they reach the height of 40 inches in height. For most kids, this means using a booster seat until they are about 8 years old. But what if your child is taller than average and needs a booster seat for longer? Here’s a look at when to use a booster seat for older children:
If your child is taller than average – typically around 4’9″ or 5’4″ – then you will need to use a booster seat until they reach the height of 48 inches in height.
If your child falls within these heights but still experiences discomfort in a regular car seat due to their size, consider purchasing an adjustable carseat or infant carrier that can be raised higher than the standard harness position. This will give your child additional legroom and should accommodate their growing body without having to buy another Booster Seat!
When to use a booster seat
booster seats are designed to help keep a child safe in a car. They work best when used from the time a baby reaches about 18 months old, but can be used as early as 12 months old if the child is large for his or her age and has reached 4 feet 9 inches tall. A booster seat should only be used for short trips, not long drives. If your child is too big for a booster seat, you may need to use a seat belt instead.
Types of boosters
There are many types of boosters, and it can be hard to know which is the best for your child. Here are some of the most common types:
-Car seat boosters: These are typically used from about 9 months old, and help your child sit up more easily in a car seat.
-Booster seats with harnesses: These are usually used from about 12 months old, and help your child stay safe in a car seat.
-Booster seats without harnesses: These are usually used from about 18 months old, and allow your child to move around more freely in a car seat.