When is the ideal time to upgrade your child from a baby car seat to a booster seat? Here are some pointers for first-time parents on booster seat child safety.
Is Your Child Ready for a Booster Seat?
Your child's height and weight are factors that indicate readiness for a booster seat. Children must weigh 40 to 65 pounds to be able to utilize forward-facing harnesses. A rear-facing car seat is the first seat a child uses. Then, the child transitions to a booster seat. Next, the child rides with only a seat belt. The booster seat enables a child to sit in an adult-sized seat by 'boosting' the child's height. Therefore, the seatbelt can be effectively used to restrain the child. While some persons do not support the use of booster seats, they reduce the risk of injury to children in accidents by 45%. Booster seats should be installed in the rear seats of the automobile.
Which Booster Seat Should You Select?
Some boosters are backless, while others have high backs. Although the high-back booster seats are deemed safer, using a backless booster seat keeps your child safer than sitting without protection.
Please ensure that your child meets the age requirement to utilize a booster seat. Usually, children aged four are ready to move to the booster seat. Review the guidelines of your five-point restraint system to ensure that your child has exceeded the weight and height limits of the seat. Further, is your child patient enough to ride in the booster seat and remain seated while you drive? When your child sits in the booster seat, the seat belt must be able to go across the shoulder and waist.
Ensure an Ideal Fit
Ensure a safe ride for your child by reviewing your child's fit in the booster seat. Check the seatbelt in the shoulder and lap areas and set the shoulder strap from the top of the child's shoulder towards the chest. The seatbelt should lay flat. Never run the seat belt behind the child's back or under the arms because the shoulder strap is a fundamental safety component. Run the lap belt section over the child's upper thighs so that the belt lays flat. Tighten the seat belt securely; however, do not allow the belt to irritate the child.
After a few years, your child will be ready to transition to sitting directly in the vehicle's seat. Follow the procedures detailed above to begin the transition process. Before you remove the booster seat from the automobile, verify that the child can be restrained without the booster. Review the weight and height guidelines to assist you in determining the ideal age for this change.
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