In 2008, car accidents caused the deaths of 968 children who were under 14 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you drive a car with passengers, it is your responsibility to make certain all the passengers are properly restrained, from adults to infants. As your child grows out of his 5-point restraint system car seat, a booster seat lifts him up so the automobile's seat belt fits him properly. Choose a booster seat that fits your child and keeps him safe.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine if your child is old enough for a booster seat. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Children from about age 4 to at least age 8" should use booster seats located in the back seat of your car. Before the age of 4, or when your child weighs around 40 pounds, your child should still be using a forward facing car seat.
Step 2
Choose the type of seat you want your child to use. Select from a backless, a high back, or a combination seat. You may also use built-in child booster seats.
A high back booster seat has a shoulder belt guide that keeps the belt positioned correctly over your child's shoulder, while a backless seat simply lifts your child up. A combination seat has a 5-point restraint system that you remove when your child reaches 40 pounds. Some cars have build in restraint seats that fold out of the regular car seat.
Step 3
Ask the store if you can return the booster seat if it does not fit your child properly. Put the seat in your car and ask your child to sit in the seat. When she is sitting in the booster seat, verify that the lap belt is not over her stomach, but rather sits on her thighs. The shoulder belt should not be placed across her neck. Her legs and hips should fit properly in the seat. Some seats have adjustable hip widths to accommodate different-sized children.
Step 4
Avoid used booster seats unless you are certain that the seat meets the criteria recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Do not buy a seat that has exceeded the manufacturer's recommended age, is cracked, is missing instructions or parts, or was recalled. Call the manufacturer to determine the age of the seat if there is no label. Check the NHTSA website to verify there is no recall data on the seat.
Step 5
Insist that your child always ride in his booster seat. Tell him that the car will not go until he has buckled his seat belt and keeps it buckled. If he cannot buckle it himself, buckle it for him. When he rides in with other people, make sure he has a booster seat to sit in. Consider purchasing a second booster seat if you have more than one vehicle. Always wear your own seat belt to set a good example for him.
Tips and Warnings
- If your child frequently falls asleep in the car, choose a high back booster seat. Your car should have headrests to prevent neck injuries in case of an accident if you choose a backless style. Make certain the seat is comfortable for your child and has adequate padding. Your child may enjoy a booster seat with a built-in cup holder. Locate a NHTSA Child Safety Seat Inspection Station in your area.
- Throw away any booster seat that has been in a crash. Never allow your child to ride unrestrained. Do not let your child ride in the front seat of a car equipped with passenger side airbags.
Things You'll Need
- Booster seat
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Child Passenger Safety: Fact Sheet
- NHTSA: 4 Steps for Kids: Booster Seats
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Car and Booster Seats for Your 4-to-8-year old
- CPSafety: The Best Booster Seat
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Car Safety Seats: Information for Families for 2010
