When does it make sense to move your child from a car seat to a booster seat? Many parents and caregivers struggle with this decision as children get older.
The safest seat for a child in an automobile is a car seat that has a 5-point harness which is properly used and tightened, says Safe Kids Worldwide. Your child should use their car seat until it is fully outgrown by height or weight. Be sure to follow the instruction on your car seat’s label.
The Four Stages of Child Passenger Safety
Stage 1: Infants and young toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. Follow the weight and height guidelines set by the car seat manufacturer. If you are in a front-end crash, a rear-facing car seat allows your child’s head, neck, and spine to move evenly into the seat instead of away from it.
Stage 2: After your child reaches weight or height limits for the rear-facing car seat, move to a forward-facing car seat. (Many car seat models offer convertible options.)
Stage 3: When your child outgrows height/weight limits for the front-facing car seat, it’s time to graduate to a booster seat!
Stage 4: It can take more than ten years until your child is ready for seatbelt only. Follow booster seat safety guidelines until your child outgrows the booster seat.
Booster Seat Tips
Did you know that children seated in a booster seat in the back of a car are 45% less likely to sustain injury in a car accident than children using seat belts? Booster seats provide a safer and more comfortable seat belt fit for your child.
When buckling your child into the booster seat, do not place the shoulder belt under your child’s arm or behind your child’s back. The lap and shoulder belts should fit when your child is seated in the booster seat, with the shoulder belt lying flat across your child’s chest and the lap belt low on the hips or upper thighs.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automobile accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
