Booster Seats Are Not One-Size-Fits-All, cont.
It’s All About Fit
Safe Kids Worldwide recommends the following:
Parents and caregivers should not panic and they should continue to use booster seats for their children on every ride. However, there are a few simple steps parents can take to make sure a child’s booster fits the correct way.
Safety belts are designed for adults and many children are too small to get a proper fit without using a booster seat. Most children who have outgrown their toddler seats but are still under 4 feet 9 inches tall and less than 80 pounds will be safest using a booster seat.
Take this easy fit test with your child to determine if a booster seat fits your child:
- Place your child on the booster seat and fasten the lap and shoulder seat belts around the child.
- Use the seat belt guides on the booster seat for the lap and shoulder belts.
- Check to be sure the lap belt rests on the top of the thighs or low on the hips.
- Check to be sure the shoulder belt is positioned on the bony shoulder- not the neck or face. Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.
If the shoulder belt and lap belt are on the child as stated above, the booster seat will work as designed to protect your child in a crash. If not, try another brand until you find the one that fits your child. Fortunately, there are lots of choices.
If you’re confused or would like a certified child passenger safety technician to evaluate your child, go to www.usa.safekids.org to contact your local Safe Kids coalition by clicking on “find coalitions and events near you.”
Source: Safe Kids Worldwide
IIHS study
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