A booster seat is a seat that helps a child’s safety while traveling in cars. Booster seats lift kids up, which results in the seatbelts lying across the strong bones of the chest and pelvis in place of the belly and neck, where they could do severe damage in a crash.
A booster seat is also called a child safety seat, infant safety seat, child restraint system, child seat, or baby seat. These seats are most commonly purchased and installed by the car owner, but some cars come with these seats as well.
There are different types of booster seats for different needs. There are backless booster seats, high-back booster seats, and combination booster seats.
It is important for us to know which one is appropriate at what age. This article will give a clear idea about when to switch from high back booster seats to booster seats.
When to Switch From High Back Booster to Booster?
High back booster seats are booster seats that have an extended backside and shock-absorbing side bolsters that are called “wings” around the head, neck, and, in some cases, sides.
High back booster seats have an elongated back, making them look like a car seat. These seats are also great for kids who like to sleep on a car journey as it keeps their body from slumping.
Studies have shown that the side-impact defense of a high back booster seat notably decreases the threat of whiplash and other injuries when used correctly.
This makes a high back booster the preferable choice for younger or smaller children who still have to have a belt-positioning booster seat but need the added head support.
The safest option is to keep your kid in a high back booster seat for as long as possible as it is the safer option, but it is likely that once a child is old enough and developmentally ready enough, they won’t want a high back booster seat.
So, that’s when a traditional booster seat comes into play.
Your Child Should Be Ready to Switch from a High Back Booster to a Booster Seat When:
- They are about 8 to 12 years of age.
- This is over 65 pounds and under 120 pounds.
- They are at least 4 feet, 9 inches, according to AAA.
- The seat belt strap fits across their collarbone and shoulder and not their neck when in the booster seat.
- They can sit still on their own without slouching or leaning forward.
Is a High Back Booster Safer Than a Backless Booster?
A backless booster seat is a traditional booster seat with no back support. A high back booster seat is recommended for children for as long as possible. The reason is that high-back booster seats are way safer than other booster seats.
In a high back booster seat, the seat belts typically stay better positioned on the child’s body, as the seat keeps their body upright and prevents them from leaning sideways.
It keeps the child’s body better positioned for a hard brake or a swerve, which makes it the safer option. A backless booster is a good option when a high back booster isn’t practical to use anymore.
At What Weight Can a Child Use a High Back Booster?
A high back booster is the safest seat option for a child. But there are specific requirements for using this seat nonetheless. A child can’t keep using a high back booster when they’ve outgrown it already.
Like most booster seats, there is a weight and height limitation. Children can use a high back booster seat when they reach 40 to 65 pounds until they weigh 120 pounds.
Evert car seat is unique, and every child is individual; you have to read the manual to know for sure that you’re strapping your child in correctly and that your child is comfortable enough in their booster seats.
How Tall Should a Child Be For a Backless Booster?
Requirements for installing certain booster seats should be followed cautiously. According to AAA, kids should continue using the booster seat until they’re at least four feet, nine inches.
Children can stop utilizing a booster seat when the car seat belt properly fits them and they don’t need any support to keep their bodies upright.
That commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 12, or when the child is close to about five feet tall or over 120 pounds.
What Is The Difference Between a High Back Booster and a Regular Booster?
A high back booster seat works like a hybrid model of a conventional backless booster seat and a car seat. High back booster seats have a back that’s longer as well as shock-absorbing side bolsters named “wings” around the head, neck, and, in some cases, sides.
Some high back booster seats even have a 5-point harness for kids under 40 pounds, and some even have a removable back.
They have seat belt guides that guarantee a proper fit for both lap and shoulder belts. On the other hand, a regular booster is a backless seat made for older or tall children their age. A backless booster gives you a few more inches to play with when it comes to headspace.
How Long Should a Child Be in a 5-Point Harness?
A child should be in a 5-point harness until they are developmentally ready, even if they fit within the size limit.
You can switch from a 5-point harness to a booster seat when the child can keep their own body upright and not lean too much on the sides.
Kids around the age of 3-4 should still use a 5-point harness rather than a booster seat.
Final Words
Booster seats are made to ensure safety for little kids. These seats should be used until a child is grown enough to fit into the car seat belt. Amongst the popular two options, high back booster seats are much safer.
These seats come with many advanced options that guarantee a child’s safety when it comes to hard braking or swerving.
