Did You Know? – Booster Seats

Did You Know…

All children less than 4 feet 9 inches tall should be riding in a booster seat in the back seat.

You may be thinking… “isn’t it at a specific age when my child can come out of a booster seat?”  The answer, in fact, is no – your child may actually still need to ride in a booster seat until he/she is 12 years old if they are under the height requirement. 

Below is a research-supported video illustrating the danger of prematurely transitioning children to an adult seat belt before they are 4’9” tall.  

VIDEO:  Booster Seat Safety

BOOSTER SEATS IN ACTION (images courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

Booster seats work in conjunction with the lap and shoulder belts to restrict head movement during a crash. The farther forward the head moves, the more likely it is to be injured. 

Lap and Shoulder Belt Worn Incorrectly, No Booster

Lap and Shoulder Belt Worn Correctly, No Booster

Lap and Shoulder Belt Worn Correctly, WITH Booster

Did You Know…

1. Car crashes are the leading cause of death in children.
2. Properly used child restraints dramatically reduce injury.
3. Only 43% of booster-size children are riding in booster seats. 

Did You Know…

Kids are ready for a seat belt when:

1. The shoulder strap crosses the center of the chest and rests on the shoulder (not the neck).
2. The lap belt fits on the upper thighs near hips (not the stomach).   
3. Knees can bend when sitting all the way back in the seat (without slouching), and feet are flat on the floor. 

For more information about the proper use of specific types of child safety seats, click on this Child Safety Seat Guide.