Is My Child Ready for a Booster???

As your child gets out of toddler hood and into the preschool age you may find yourself  asking that very question.  So many parents are in a rush to get a child out of the so-called "baby" seat and into a "big kid" seat.  Just remember that every step up in seats  (rear facing is safer than forward facing, a forward facing 5 pt harness seat is safer than a booster for most young children) is a step down in safety. 

At what age is a child ready for a booster?  There is no magical booster age.  Maturity plays a much bigger role than age.  Generally, I tell parents 6 yrs AND 40 lbs.  I do this because a six year old is more mature and much more likely to sit correctly in a booster each and every time it is used.  Plus, at six the child's bones are a little more developed and stronger than at younger ages. 

Does this mean that no one under six can ride in a booster?  No, there are exceptions.  Some five year olds are very mature and can ride properly in a booster. 

How do I know if he is ready?  There is a check list for this:
1.  Does your child lean forward/to the side in a booster?
2. Does your child regularly sleep in the car?
3. Does your child slump down in the booster causing the belt to rise up onto the stomach?
4.  Would your child immediately lean forward to pick up a dropped toy on the floor?

If the answer to ANY of these questions is "Yes."  then your child is not ready for a booster.  That is not to say you cannot begin booster training.  With practice a child can learn to ride properly in a booster.  Just remember it does not happen overnight.



Booster fit
1. While in a booster does the lap portion of the belt sit low on the hips or touch the thighs?
2. Does the shoulder portion of the belt lie midway between neck and shoulder?
3.  Can the child stay seated this way for the whole trip?

If the answer to ALL of these questions is "Yes."  then the booster fits your child.

Please check your state's laws for regulations on booster seats.  Just remember that the laws are only the minimum.  Meaning that your four year old does not HAVE to go into a booster if he has hit 40 lbs and is most likely safer in a five point harness.  It is not illegal to extended harness or to extended rear face.  In fact it is safer.