age kids need booster seats
Of the 34 booster seat models in our tests, 28 state a minimum allowable weight of between 30 and 33 pounds. Current growth charts, however, show that the average 30-pound child is about two-and-a-half years old, far too young to move a child out of a seat with a harness, according to our safety experts. At that age a child's body is not developed enough nor likely to be tall enough for this type of seat. A good thing is that of the 28 booster seats with the lower allowable weight limits, at least half also include a minimum age limit of three and others include height limits that are more typical of a three-year-old. Most kids need to ride in a booster seat until age 10 to 12. Using a booster instead of just a. belt prevents 45% of crash injuries. If your child isn’t using a booster, try the simple test below the next time you ride together in. the car. The answer depends on your child's size and age, the kind of vehicle you drive, and the law in your state. Laws aside, kids aren't ready to make the switch from a booster seat to seat belts until they're at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and can pass the five-step test below — typically between ages 8 and 10. Combination seats with harness: Seats can be used forward facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 90 pounds (depending on the model) or without the harness as a booster (up to 80–120 pounds, depending on the model). Five types of car safety restraints can be used forward facing: 1  Convertible seats: Seats can convert from rear-facing to forward-facing. These include 3-in-1 seats. 2  Forward-facing–only seats: Seats can be used forward facing with a harness for children who weigh up to 40 to 80 pounds (depending on the model).  Children under age 8 must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat.  Children age 8 or older may use the vehicle safety belt if it fits properly with the lap belt. low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the. chest. Boosters Are For Big Kids. Most kids need to ride in a booster seat from about age 4 until age 10-12. If your child isn’t using a booster, try the simple test below the next time you. ride together in the car. You may find that your child is not yet ready to use a. safety belt without a booster. The 5-Step Test. Six seats had the more reasonable minimum weight limit of 40 pounds. This makes sense because the growth of children between 30 and 40 pounds occurs at a slower rate than when they are infants. An average 40-pound child is typically closer to age five, a much safer age to consider making a transition to booster use. The type of seat your child needs depends on several things, including your child's age and size and the type of vehicle you have. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about choosing the most appropriate car seat for your child.
Age 10 to 12.