A car booster seat or safety seat is designed to protect children from sustaining injuries in the event of a collision. Car owners who have kids buy and install it in their cars, and many brands of modern vehicles now come with it.
However, there’s a certain age a child can attain before he or she can use a booster seat. This article is mainly meant to answer the question – how old can you use a booster seat for your child?
You’ll also want to know what age to stop using the seat for your child. There are different types of booster seats for different ages.
You’ll find out all the information here in this article. You’ll also get the answers to several other frequently asked questions too. Let’s get to it right away.
What Age to Stop Using a Booster Seat?
Actually, you need to understand that different states have different laws on using a booster seat. Nevertheless, most laws put the age at 9 years. However, age isn’t the only factor that determines your child’s readiness to stop using a booster seat.
Weight is an equally important factor too. Even if he clocks 9, if his weight is not up to the required weight, it might be a dangerous idea to put him out of a booster seat. He needs to weigh at least 65 pounds to be able to use the seatbelt of your car.
Height is another important factor to consider. Your child should be at least 57 inches or 4 feet 9 inches tall so that he can sit with his back against the seat of your vehicle and his knees will bend at the edge of the seat cushion. The shoulder belt will go across his chest, and the lap belt will hold down his thighs snugly.
Even when your child is old enough, you need to keep an eye on him while he’s in the back seat. Don’t let him slouch and lean to the side, and don’t let him tuck the shoulder belt behind his back or under his arm.
Should My 9-Year- Old Be in a Booster Seat?
It depends on his height and maturity. Parents often consider only the age of their children, which is the least important booster seat factor. The height of the child is the most important. Your child should be in a booster seat until he’s 4 feet, 9 inches (57 inches) tall. With that height, he’ll be able to use the car’s seatbelt.
The shoulder belt will cut across his chest, and the lap belt will fit snugly to his upper thighs. His back will be able to rest on the back of the car seat. And the back of his knees will bend at the edge of the car seat.
Yes, some children attain this height at the age of 9, but many others take much longer before they attain the height. In fact, some children get to 12 before attaining the age. Another factor to consider is your child’s composure. He needs to be able to ride in a car without slouching.
The real problem here is that your children may balk at the idea of keeping them in a booster seat when their friends no longer use it. You know the dangers of a car collision.
Find a way to make your children understand why it’s necessary to remain in the booster seat until they meet the other conditions. Staying in a booster seat until you’re 4 feet and 9 inches tall is a smart idea.
What Kind of Seat Should a 7-Year-Old Use?
The most suitable seat for a 7-year-old child is the combination seat. It is a high-back booster seat, and it has a 5-point harness. This means the seat is fastened at 5 different points, making it very safe for children. It is suitable for children whose weight is 40 pounds or more.
As the child becomes older, the harness will be removed so that the booster seat can work with your vehicle’s lap and shoulder belts.
Is a 7-Year-Old Too Old for a Booster Seat?
No. A 7-year-old child is not too old for a booster seat. However, the kind of booster seat for him is different from the ones meant for younger children. Only a child that is 57 inches tall is too old for a booster seat.
Can a 3-Year-Old Sit in a Booster Seat?
The answer is probably no. Even if your 3-year-old child meets the weight and height requirements of a booster seat, he/she cannot meet the maturity requirements. 3-year-olds can’t sit in a booster seat without slouching, leaning over, or messing with the seat belt.
Besides, it’s not likely that a 3-year-old will exceed the weight and height limits on a harnessed car seat. Finally, according to most laws, your child should be at least 4 before you think of moving him or her to a booster seat.
Can a 4-Year-Old Sit in a Booster Seat?
Yes, if the child meets the other requirements. Your 4-year-old children can be moved to a booster seat if they can sit without slouching or leaning over. Once they slouch or lean over, it will defeat the purpose of the car seat.
In addition, you should also make sure that they don’t mess with the seatbelt. Thankfully, the least age for booster seat suitability for children is 4.
Can a 5-Year-Old Sit in a Booster Seat?
Sure. At this age, children should be able to sit in a booster seat without slouching. They won’t lean over or tamper with the seat belt.
Notwithstanding, make it a habit to watch over your children while you’re driving. Keep checking on them through your rear-view mirror. Remember, children will always be children.
What Kind of Car Seat Do I Need for a 6-Year-Old?
At the age of 6, your children should be mature enough to sit comfortably in a high-back booster seat. And they can even sit in a backless booster seat.
However, a child that finds it difficult to sit still or sit without sleeping in the car should continue to use a 5-point harness seat.
Final Words
It can be misleading to base your child’s suitability for a booster seat on age alone. You have to consider the weight requirements, height requirements, and maturity.
In addition, it is necessary to watch your child often as you drive. If something is not right, find a way to pull over and make the necessary adjustments.
More importantly, at a certain age, children begin to reject the idea of keeping them in a booster seat. There are several requirements that children must meet before they can stop using booster seats.
And if your child does not meet all the conditions, you have to continue to restrain him to a booster seat until all conditions are met.
