When to Use a Booster Seat

Most parents are very concerned about their child's safety. That's why they make it a point to stay well-informed about the latest safety equipment on the market that's designed especially for little ones. One of the most important purchases any family makes in the line of baby gear would be a child car seat. As a matter of fact, many families buy more than one child car seat, starting off with an infant seat and then upgrading to a convertible seat and then a booster seat.

If you've got a car, then you know that you need to invest in the right car seats for your child. You'll need to learn how to install these seats using LATCH connectors or your vehicles seatbelt system, and you'll also have to learn all about weight ratings and safety features like side-impact protection and five-point harnesses. You'll need to find out when to use a booster seat after your child graduates from his first car seats as well.

When it comes to car seats, your cues should always come from the weight ratings indicated by the manufacturer. For instance, an infant seat is good to use for children weighing 5 to 20 or 22 lbs with some exceptions. Preemies or babies below 5 lbs need a special cot for safety in the car, and some types of infant seats can be used with babies up to 30 lbs in weight. In the meantime, most convertible seats can be used ‘til your baby weighs 40 lbs.

When your child reaches 40 lbs, he may already be ready for a booster seat. It's important not to succumb to the temptation of putting him in a booster too early, even if he does want to try what it's like to ride in a "big boy" seat. Before he reaches 40 lbs, he may not have the necessary bulk to fit well in a booster.

Similarly, you'll have to wait until your child is four years old before you put him in a booster seat. Even if he already weighs in at 40 lbs, his body may not be strong enough or developed physically to the point where he can safely ride in a booster. If you feel that your almost-four-year-old is already big and strong enough, consult your paediatrician. Some doctors will make exceptions on a case-to-case basis for children who are developing precociously.

Your child will need to ride in his booster seat until he is about 4 feet and 9 inches tall or eight years old. It's important to note that when it comes to taking your child out of the booster and switching to grown-up seatbelts, you need to make the decision based on your child's size. He may be ready to leave the booster even before he is eight if he has grown big enough, or if the tops of his ears are already showing above the seat.

Hopefully, the information above will be useful in letting you know when to use a booster seat. You also may checkout this page to learn the Top 3 booster seats.