Children spend a lot more time traveling in vehicles than they used to. Vehicle accidents are the largest cause of death in children under the age of 14. You can reduce the risk of death and serious injury to your child by simply using a correctly installed booster seat. There is a huge variety of booster seats to choose from, which must all meet strict U.S. government safety standards.
Function
Booster seats are designed for children who have outgrown forward-facing infant seats but are too young to use a lap/shoulder belt. A booster seat will lift or boost your child so that the seat belt can be used to restrain your child correctly. If seat belts are used without a booster seat, they are more likely to cause serious injury in an accident as opposed to providing protection.
Types
There are two main types of booster seats available: a high-back booster seat and a backless booster seat. The backless booster seat is for use in vehicles that are equipped with a head rest; it "lifts" your child so he can reach the safety belt. Secure your child with a lap/shoulder belt. The high-back booster seat provides support to both your child's head and neck, and it must be used in conjunction with the car's lap/shoulder belt. Front-facing infant seats can be used as a booster seat with both the five-point harness and lap/shoulder belt.
Age and Weight
Legislation varies slightly from state to state (see Resources to view criteria for your state). A booster seat is required for all children who are at least 4 years old but less than 8 years old, if the child weighs more than 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds and who measures less than 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches) tall.
Legislation
There is stringent legislation relating to booster seats. The Child Booster Seat Law came into effect in June 2006; violation of the law results in a fine of between $25 and $100 and also two points on record, in some states. The ticket may be dismissed or fine reduced upon the production of a booster seat.
Correct Use
Many parents are unaware of the fact that they are using their booster seat incorrectly. You need to ensure that your child is ready for a booster seat not only by adhering to age and weight regulations, but by checking how he is positioned in the seat. His knees should bend at the edge of the seat, and his legs should not be pointing straight. Use the lap and shoulder belt, place the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest, not near the head or neck. Position the lap belt across your child's lap and hips making sure it skims the top of the thighs.
