Booster seats help a child sit comfortably in the car once they outgrow their infant safety seat. Many parents may wonder when a child can stop using a booster seat since children may often demand sitting without booster seats. However, most children require a booster seat throughout early childhood for their safety. After considering several factors, you may let them sit on standard car seats once they approach adolescence or earlier. Read on to know more about when a child can stop using a booster seat and what factors to consider before letting your child sit on a standard car seat.
When Can A Child Stop Using A Booster Seat?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a child can stop using a booster seat when the car’s seat belt fits properly without the need for a booster seat (1). A seat belt is considered to fit properly when the lap belt goes across the upper thighs/the hips and not the stomach, while the shoulder belt goes across the chest and not the neck. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a car’s seat belt can fit properly once the child attains the height of 4 feet and 9 inches (150 centimeters) (2). Most children reach this height by the age of 13 and can sit without a booster seat.
1. Belt position
The car seat belt may not fit in some cases even if the child has attained the requisite height. Therefore, check if your car’s seat belt fits your child correctly. The shoulder belt must go over the child’s shoulder and the chest rather than the neck. A seat belt over the neck could be detrimental in a car crash. Also, a loose shoulder belt can slide over the child’s neck, thus negating its purpose. The lap belt must go across the upper thighs or the hips. It should not lie over the belly where it may tug into the body in case of an accident.
2. Knee position
The child’s legs should comfortably bend over the seat’s edge with the knees placed in their natural position. If the child has to push the hip forward or slouch to let their knees come to the seat’s edge, then it is best to let them use a booster seat for some more time.
3. Feet position
The feet should lay comfortably flat on the car’s floor. If the child has to slouch, move forward, or strain their legs to lay the feet flat on the floor, they are not yet ready to move out of the booster seat.
4. Back position
The child’s back must be comfortably flush against the seat’s backrest. If the child slouches forward or there is a gap between the body and the backrest, your child is not ready to sit in the standard car seat. The correct back position against the backrest is vital to maintain the tension of the seat belt during a car crash.
How To Help A Child Transition To A Car Seat?
You may try the following steps to make it easier for a child to transition to a standard car seat.
What To Do If The Car Seat Belts Do Not Fit?
If the seat belts do not fit your child properly, it means your child is not yet ready to sit without a booster seat. Check other factors, such as the knee and back positions, to determine if the child is ready to sit in a standard car seat. Some cars have height-adjustable seat belts. If your child meets all the requirements to sit without a booster seat but still faces issues with the seat belt, check the seat belt height. The seat belt height adjuster is located at the shoulder belt anchor on the car’s B-pillar (middle pillar). You may adjust the height until the seat belt goes across the child properly. You may refer to your car’s manual for more details. Never buy after-market seat belt adjusters unless approved by the car manufacturer and regulatory authorities.
Should You Use A Booster Cushion?
A booster cushion is a booster seat without the backrest. It is ideal for children who do not meet the requirements to sit in a car seat. If your child needs a booster cushion to use a seat belt properly, they are not yet ready to stop using a booster seat (5).
