A booster seat is meant to keep the child safe and protected in the car while traveling, especially for a long duration.
It raises the height, making it easier for the guardians to put on the belts to them.
A booster seat also teaches the child to sit accurately in the car till they grow, and it act as an aid to the limbs and spine of children.
However, it could get confusing to recognize the perfect time to transition the child to a booster seat. When a child develops more than the provisions limited for a car seat, it means they are all set for a booster one.
Commonly, it is used to make the seatbelt of the car adjustable with the height of the child. And it suits securely around the child’s body and legs like a curb.
Is It An Accurate Time To Shift To Booster?
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The basic thing to carry out is to go through the height and weight limitations of the child’s body mentioned in the car’s guidebook. And then check up on the subsequent things about the child.
Some rules and regulations go by in each state before having a booster seat for the kid. Usually, 4 or 5 years is the required age that the makers abide by. So, review these rules to have an idea before getting that transformation seat in the car.
Sometimes even if your child gets 4 or 5 years old, the weight criteria might create a problem. It is of utmost for the child to gain a weight of 40 pounds in order to use a booster.
Another crucial factor is height. The child should attain at least 49 inches which are 4 feet. Their back and knees should snugly suit the booster seat.
Mental readiness is also essential. And it can only be known through maturity. The child needs to possess some proper learnings to put rest on his back, arms, and legs.
They should not have the urge to fold their seat belt or lean extremely or slouch now and then.
Therefore, the correct time to shift any kid child to a booster seat is when the guardians firmly believe that their child has not only outgrown the car seat but has also learned to sit maturely.
Do not rush and carefully go through all the rules and instructions. In any case, if the child does not meet the above criteria, a car seat is still the best for him.
The Procedure Of Installation
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For this, there are two things to be done initially. First, read the guidelines written on how to install a booster seat in the car’s guidebook. And then read the guidebook that came with the packaging of the booster seat.
Moreover, the following are a few essential tips to understand on installing the booster seat in your car.
For some seats, the use of a lower anchor and Latch can get required.
However, always keep in mind that a booster seat is put in position with reference to the child’s weight and then the height of the car’s lap-and-shoulder belt.
Only after the child gets comfortable on the seat, pull and adjust the fit of the seat belt accordingly.
While it should tightly fib across the chest and then a little on the shoulder.
With the booster seat, only seat belts that waist straps get used.
The resting of the seat belt should lie low towards the hips.
The correct order of the booster seat is in the back of the car.
The booster seat must be balanced against the car seat.
What To Consider When Choosing A Booster Seat For Your Child
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To know the correct fit for the child, it is mandatory to know the different types of booster seats available.
The Backless Ones
These seats only provide support to the front of the body. A car with a high back can have a backless booster seat.
They are also easily removable. Just remember that the headrest should reach the child’s ears.
The High-Back Ones
It is the seat that strengthens the spine of the child, making them sit straight. It can aid with teaching the child to sit properly and maintain their posture.
Then, here are a few of the necessary points that need to be known before purchasing one.
For a waist strap, the child must be taller than 145cm. That implies the age reach of 10 or 11 years old.
Do not forget to guarantee the comfort of the child. Do not put the shoulder belt at the back or under the arm of your little one.
If they are even a slight discomfort, do not rush. Talk with your child, take time and stick with the harness seat for some time. Great harness seats that can get transferred into booster seats are easily available.
And when going for such harness seats, remember to go for a higher top shoulder strap. They can do the service for a long.
Once the child reaches the weight of 22-30 pounds, they can get shifted to a forward-facing car seat.
In all matters, only when the child gains a weight of 40 pounds and reaches the age of 5, a booster seat should get included in the car.
Bottom Line
Thus, it is advisable to always check the expiration date before purchasing a booster seat. You can also check the brand’s website for booster seat guidance before installing it in the car. Or watch some tutorials on the Internet.
Well, surprisingly, booster seats expire too. And the car seats expire as well.
It is because of the everyday use that brings wear & tear to the mechanism of the product. Usually, after six years after the manufacturing date, the quality of the seats starts deteriorating. Avoid borrowing from a relative or a friend.
Also do not use a second-hand seat.
