How much should your child weigh for a booster seat

Is Your Child Ready for a Booster Seat?

It happens in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re bringing home a tiny baby in an infant car seat, and the next you’re wondering whether your big kid is ready to move out of a five-point harness to a belt-positioning booster seat. Children outgrow their car seats at different rates, but contrary to popular belief, the right time to make the switch has little to do with age. So how do you know when your child is ready for a booster seat? Here are some guidelines for making the switch safely at the right time for your little one.

Is My Child Ready for a Booster Seat?

The safest way for your child to ride in a vehicle is to remain in a five-point harness until they exceed the maximum height and weight requirements of their car seat. Many convertible car seats and harness-to-booster car seats on the market can accommodate children up to 65 pounds. But if you–and they–are ready to move on to a belt-positioning booster seat, make sure your child meets the following booster car seat requirements first.

Age and Car Seat Chart

1. Age.

Each state has its own laws and regulations for booster seat age and weight requirements. What is the law for booster seats? Always check your state’s requirements! That way, you’ll be best informed before moving your child into a different type of car seat. Most state laws and booster seat manufacturers require children to be at least 4 or 5 years old before using a booster. However, age isn’t as important as the other three factors.

2. Weight.

Even if your child is technically old enough to legally ride in a booster seat, they may not weigh enough to safely sit in one. At a minimum, your child should weigh at least 40 pounds before using a belt-positioning booster car seat.

3. Height.

The height of your child is of equal importance to weight when deciding whether they’re ready for a booster seat. You can safely make the switch only if your child is at least 35 inches tall and can sit in the booster seat with their back against the vehicle seat and their knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat cushion.

4. Maturity.

Some 4-year-olds may be mature enough to properly sit in a booster seat for the entire car trip with the seat belt correctly positioned across the chest and shoulder, but many will be much older. Your child can safely sit in a booster seat only if they can ride without slouching, leaning to the side, or tucking the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back.

You know your child best. If you can’t rely on your child to sit properly in the booster seat, you can’t rely on the car’s seat belt to properly restrain them when it really counts.

When to Stop Using a Booster Seat

Just as there are requirements for when a child is ready to move into a booster seat, there are also rules for when a child is able to stop using a booster seat altogether. And these rules may surprise you. Once again, the laws and requirements are different for each state, but typically, your child should remain in a booster until they reach the age of eight and a standing height of at least 4 feet 9 inches. Many children won’t safely be able to ride in a car without a booster seat until they’re 10 to 12 years of age.

The best way to decide if your child can safely ride in a belt-positioning booster seat or without a booster seat at all is to check the position of the seat belt. Does the seat belt sit across the middle of the chest and shoulder without cutting into the child’s neck? Can the child sit comfortably with their back against the seat and their legs bent at the knee over the edge of the seat? Is the lap belt low and snug against your child’s upper thighs? If so, it’s a good fit.

Ready to make the switch? Learn about the pros and cons between the different types of booster seats so you can make the best decision for your child. And remember, the best type of booster seat is one that fits your child and safely secures them while traveling.

Child Booster Seats: Age, Weight, and Height Guidelines

When it comes to the safety of your young child, there are many things that you need to consider. This not only includes safety in the home or while they are at school but also when they are travelling in the car with you. As parents, you will find that you often have to drive with your young child whether it is to take them to the nursery, go on a play date, to visit relations, to go on vacation, or to get to the doctors among other things. When your child is traveling in the vehicle with you, it is important that they are safe, secure, and comfortable. In the event of an accident, you need to ensure that the risk of injury to your little one is minimized and this is where child car safety seats come into the equation.

There are various different types of seat available to ensure child passenger safety, which includes rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, and belt-positioning booster seats. The first two options are for young babies that are under a certain weight and age. However, once your child goes beyond a specified weight and age you can switch to the child booster seat. These seats are designed to provide safety and comfort to your little one when traveling in the car, as they will be too small to use a regular seatbelt or shoulder belt to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Making Sure You Are Familiar With The Regulations By State

The regulations with regards to child booster seats can vary from one state to another. As a result, you need to ensure that you are familiar with the regulations in your state. You can do this by going online to check what the requirements are for your specific state. Also, bear in mind that these regulations are often updated so if you last looked at them several years ago for another child it is worth checking again in case there are any changes. You will then have a better idea of what to look for when you are purchasing a child booster seat for your little one.

In many states, the laws, with regards to child booster seats, can appear quite vague but they have specific meanings. For example, in some states, the laws state that the child must be in a seat that is ‘appropriate,’ which means that it must be a seat that is used by a child of the size, weight, height, and age as per the label on the seat. This means that it is essential to ensure you read the labeling on these car seats so that you know whether it is a seat that will be suitable for your child and will, therefore, be in adherence to the legal requirements. Some states also have laws that say the seat must be properly installed. However, this can mean different things in different states. In some states, this means that the manufacturer’s instructions are used to verify that the seat has been properly installed in the vehicle.

The Regulations In Different States

Regulations regarding booster seats vary state by state. In Louisiana, for instance, children aged between four and six and who weigh between 40 and 60 pounds have to be in a booster car seat with a belt-positioning feature. In the event that a child is of an age, weight, and height to fall into two child seat categories, the safest option must be decided upon by the parents. In Alaska, however, you have to use a booster seat for children aged between four and eight who weigh up to 65 pounds and are up to 4’9” in height. So, let’s take a look at the booster seat regulations state by state:

Alabama: In Alabama, children must be in forward-facing seats until the age of five or when they reach 40 pounds. They must be in booster seats until the age of six.

Alaska: In this state, children must ride in a booster seat between the ages of four and eight other than if they weigh more than 65 pounds and are over 4’9” tall.

Arizona: Arizona requires children to be in a booster seat from the age of five until eight unless they are taller than 4’9”.

Arkansas: In this state, children up to the age of six years and under 60 pounds in weight should be riding in an appropriate child or booster seat.

Colorado: In this state, children aged between four and eight years of age should be riding in a suitable car or booster seat.

Delaware: In Delaware, children aged up to seven years and weighing up to 65 pounds need to be restrained in an appropriate child or booster seat designed for their age and size.

Georgia: Children must ride in an approved car seat until the age of eight. The booster or car seat should be suitable for the child’s age and height and must be fitted and used as per the instructions.

Hawaii: In this state, children aged between four and seven must right in a booster seat or car seat designed for their age. Tax credits are available to put toward the cost of buying a suitable seat.

Indiana: Indiana requires children less than the age of eight years to be in an approved car or booster seat. This must be properly installed and used as per the instructions and must be designed for the child’s age, height, and weight.

Iowa: Children less than the age of six years must be in an approved car or booster. Those under one year and weighing less than 20 pounds have to be in a rear-facing car seat.

Louisiana: In this state, children who are aged between four and six years and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds must be in a car booster seat.

Maine: In Maine, children aged eight or under and who weigh under 80 pounds must be in an approved car seat or booster.

Massachusetts: Under laws in this state, all children under the age of eight and who are less than 57 inches in height must be in an approved car or booster seat that is suitable for their size and weight.

Michigan: According to Michigan laws, all children aged between four and eight years need to be in a properly restrained booster or car seat.

Minnesota: Under laws in this state, all children aged seven and under who are under 4’9” need to be in an approved car seat or booster. Installation and use of the seat must be as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mississippi: Under these laws, children aged under four must be in a car seat. From four to seven years of age, they must be in a seat that is suited to their age and weight.

Missouri: In this state, children who are aged between four and seven years, are between 40 and 80 pounds, and are less than 4’9” in height must be in a child/booster seat.

Nebraska: All children under the age of six must ride in an appropriate and approved car or booster seat in this state. The seat must be suited to their age and size.

Nevada: In Nevada, all children aged less than six years and weighing up to 60 pounds must ride in a suitable and approved car or booster seat based on their age and size.

New Mexico: In this state, all children under the age of seven or weighing less than 60 pounds must be in an approved and suitable car or booster seat. Between seven and twelve years, they must be in a seat belt or booster seat designed for their weight and height.

New York: In New York, children aged up to eight years have to ride in a suitable car or booster seat. The state also recommends that they stay in a booster seat until they are 100 pounds in weight or 4’9” in height, although this is not mandatory.

North Carolina: In this state, all children who weigh less than 80 pounds or are under eight years of age need to be in a booster seat or appropriate car seat.

Ohio: Children under the age of four and under 40 pounds in weight need to be riding in a suitable car seat or booster seat in Ohio.

Oregon: In this state, all children must ride in a suitable and approved car seat or booster seat until they reach 40 pounds in weight.

Pennsylvania: All children under the age of four must ride in an approved car or booster seat that is suitable for their age and size.

Rhode Island: In Rhode Island, all children aged under eight and who weigh less than 80 pounds have to be in a car or booster seat that is appropriate for their age.

South Dakota: In this state, all children aged under five and less than 40 pounds in weight will need to be in a suitable car seat or booster seat.

Tennessee: The regulations in this state require children aged between four and eight years to use a booster seat if they are not at least 4’9” in height.

Texas: In Texas, the law is that all children up to the age of eight must be in a suitable car or booster seat if they are less than 4’9” tall.

Washington: In Washington, all children who are less than eight years of age must be in a suitable booster or car seat based on their age and size unless they are at least 4’9” tall.

West Virginia: All children in this state must ride in an approved booster or car seat until the age of eight years and up to 4’9” in height.

Checking The Regulations In our State

In order to ensure you adhere to the laws in the different states, you should make sure that you are familiar with car and booster seat regulations if you travel with children. Failure to do this can lead to both financial and other penalties. In addition, and more importantly, it could put the child’s safety at risk.

Up to what height-age-weight should a child be transported in a child car seat? / Media / Blog on Avtokresel.

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April 1, 2016

I have written a lot about car seats for small children, the importance of rearward driving for as long as possible, etc...

I have written a lot about car seats for small children, the importance of rearward driving for as long as possible, the capacity of such seats, etc. . And today we will talk about car seats for older children.
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a 2-3 (15-36 kg) or 1-2-3 (9-36 kg) up to 12 years? Can he fit into this chair?

Or vice versa, we often hear feedback - my child outgrew this chair at the age of 7-8!

So, let's define. The most unfortunate criterion for determining the period of actual use of a child car seat (any) is age. Think about it, because all children grow differently. And, in very different ways. Well, how can one equally say how many years a particular chair will accommodate a fragile miniature beauty or a hefty hero who at 9years older than his mother will be?

The age for use of a child restraint is provided as a very rough guide only. As a rule, the situation is considered with a developing ideally average image (according to the WHO table) of a thin child in summer clothes).

For each car seat, there are the following real criteria that you should pay attention to:

- weight limit . European car seats are designed up to a weight of 36 kg. This does not mean that with a greater weight of the passenger, it will fall apart. But there are approved age groups according to which the car seat group is determined. And the weight limit for group 3, on which the chair is tested, is 36 kg. The Americans have seats with a declared passenger weight of ~ 50 kg. True, basically, these are car seats specifically for the American market. In Russia, the European classification is used.

- limiting growth. Depends, of course, on the proportions of the child. Some have long legs, some have a body. But nevertheless, in terms of height, most group 2-3 car seats are quite capable of accommodating a child with a height of 150 cm. Don't believe me? Look at the story, where, as part of the filming for Channel 1, we seated a girl, a little over 150 cm tall, in 2 car seats and there was even a reserve in one.

Unfortunately, the current ECE R44-04 regulation completely ignores this issue, although it is the most important in terms of choosing a car seat for older children, and indeed in general. A new set of rules ECE R129in part of children taller than 105 cm, which should be guided by this indicator has not yet been adopted in principle.
But as a rule, in the legislation of individual countries, the height limit for the mandatory ride in a child car seat is limited from 135 cm to 150 cm. Further, it is considered that the safety of the child is already ensured by a standard seat belt without any additional accessories, at least not worse than adult. Naturally, a regular belt, even if carried out correctly, will not provide, for example, lateral protection for a child. Therefore, I believe that the figure of 150 cm is more correct. But to demand more is definitely fanaticism.

- What is the law?

In Russia, the period of use of child restraints is determined by paragraph 22.9 of the traffic rules. Unfortunately, it completely ignores the issue of height and weight limits for using car seats. Only the age up to which they should be used is indicated - 12 years.

- What to expect?

A bill is under consideration that should finally clearly define the parameters of a child who needs a child car seat. Previously, those same 150 cm and 36 kg. When they accept, if they accept, it will become easier.

UPDATE 09.2016. It seems that in general they will be accepted from the age of 7 - at the discretion of the parents. While everything is not clear. In any case, we're here to try to do what's right, not what's nominally allowed, right?

- What to do now?

So, the child has outgrown the indicated parameters, and 12 years is still far away! And it doesn't fit in a chair. We put in a booster. There will be no special sense in terms of safety, but also harm. It is not worth using any kind of alternative restraints in this case, because. there is a risk of harm, if something happens.

Comments

car seat selection guide - magazine Behind the wheel

What is a combined group? What ratings should be trusted? Along the way or against? When to switch to a booster and how to understand that the child is already big enough to do without restraints, fastening with standard seat belts? “Behind the wheel” answered these and other questions.

To choose a car seat for a child, you need to know three parameters - age, height and weight. It's understandable with age. And parents of very young children know exactly the height and weight, as a rule. Parents of kindergarteners and younger schoolchildren know approximately. Exactly - only if the child has recently undergone medical examination.

0 and 0+

Newborns and infants under six months of age are transported in category 0 or 0+ seats, often referred to as "car seats" or "carriers". Children are in them in a lying position (they still do not know how to sit). And they put them against the direction of movement, since babies do not hold their heads, their neck muscles are not developed, which prevent serious injuries in the event of a sudden braking of the car or in an accident. So, against the move, it is recommended to carry children for at least a year. The Swedes, who have made a cult out of road safety, carry children backwards up to 3 years! Maybe right.

Children under the age of one year (and according to Swedish recommendations - up to 3 years) can only be transported backwards.

Children under the age of one year (and according to the Swedish recommendation - up to 3 years) can only be transported backwards.

Related materials

How to carry a child: forward or backward?

Installing the infant carrier in the direction of travel, across the car (in the back seat), loose fasteners - these are all serious, if not potentially fatal mistakes. It is clear that it may be more convenient for you. But imagine (even though it's hard) what will happen to the baby in an accident. Frivolity can kill.

It is believed that the safest place in the car to install a child seat is behind the driver's seat, as the driver instinctively protects himself and exposes the other side of the car to the impact. But there are no supporting statistics to be found. If you imagine all possible impacts, it turns out that the safest place is in the middle of the back seat. But when installing a child car seat (or car seat), you need to fix it as rigidly as possible so that the seat (and the child with it) do not fly off upon impact. Of course, the child must also be securely fastened in the seat. Teach him to use belts from day one - despite the tears.

You can use your favorite toy to teach your child how to buckle up without whims.

The most important point: if you decide to put a child seat in the front seat, turn off the passenger airbag - otherwise, in the event of an accident, it can shoot into the back of the seat, break it and injure the child. And try not to be distracted by the child while driving.

Combined groups 0+/1, 0+/1/2, 0/1/2/3

Category 0+ seats are designed for children weighing up to 13 kg. On sale there are also chairs of the combined group 0+/1, designed for weights up to 18 kg. But they tend to be very large for babies, and even padded inserts don't always make up for the extra space. In addition, the child is in such a chair in a semi-sitting position, which is bad for newborns. So if we use such devices, then only when the child learns to sit. At the same time, long trips should be avoided in order to reduce the load on the spine.

Universal seats (combined groups) are usually quite bulky, expensive and not always comfortable for the child.

Universal chairs (combined groups) are usually quite bulky, expensive and not always comfortable for the child.

This is especially true for the seats of combined groups 0+/1/2 and 0+/1/2/3. Yes, there are some. The former are designed for weights from 2.2 to 30 kg, the latter - from 2.2 to 55 kg. Wow ranger! Of course, it's tempting to buy one car seat for your entire childhood rather than changing it out every couple of years. But, firstly, such a chair will be very large for the child at first, despite all the inserts, and then it may turn out to be small (for short, for example, the legs will hang in the air). Both are bad, the chair should be "fit". Secondly, before buying, the model you like must be checked for compliance with safety standards. After all, the seat is bought specifically to ensure the safety of the child. Ratings you can trust - for example, the German ADAC Automobile Club. The Germans annually conduct crash tests of current models of child seats. Unfortunately, not all models presented on the Russian market are found in these ratings. And thirdly, universal chairs are very expensive - despite the nuances mentioned above.

Armchairs groups 1, 2, 3

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These are the children! Main rules for choosing a car seat

Seats of the first group are designed for children weighing from 9 to 18 kg (conditionally from 9 months to 4 years). The second - from 15 to 25 kg (from 3 to 7 years), the third - from 22 to 36 kg (from 6 to 12 years). Recommendations for selection are given above. If your car is equipped with Isofix mounts (and most modern cars have them), it is better to choose the “isofix” model - these hold better than those that are fastened with standard belts. And therefore, safer.

Armchairs of the second group are quite rare. More often devices of group 2/3 are sold. Five-point harnesses, as a rule, are no longer in them. Such seats are fastened with standard car seat belts. And they are often disassembled into two parts - a back and a booster (seat with armrest). Booster is already the third group.

Boosters

It is sometimes said that boosters can be used from the age of four. But in this case, it is better to focus not on age, but on height and use a booster when the child outgrows 130 cm. Then regular seat belts will be able to protect the child, and not threaten him with injuries in an accident.

According to WHO, for boys, normal height at four years is from 94.9 to 111.7 cm, for girls - from 94.1 to 111.3 cm. 130 cm is quite a lot even for seven-year-olds.

According to Russian traffic rules, a child can be carried without a special device in the back seat from the age of seven. But it's still better to use a booster.

According to Russian traffic rules, a child can be transported without a special device in the back seat from the age of seven. But it's still better to use a booster.

What the SDA say

According to our Traffic Rules (in force since July 12, 2017), children under 12 years old can be transported in the front seat only when using a special restraint device (car seat or infant carrier). In the back seat, a car seat (or booster) is mandatory up to seven years. From 7 to 12 years old, parents can either use a restraint or fasten their child with standard seat belts.

From 7 to 12 years old, children in the front seat can only be transported in a car seat (or with a booster seat).