New booster seat laws across the nation are in place to keep our kids safer. The laws protect our most valuable treasures, our kids. The laws are in place to motivate parents to heed the best safety practices.
Why does my kid need a booster seat now?
As research grows, we become more aware of what’s good for our kids. In 2001, only 2 U.S. states had a booster seat law to protect older child passengers; in 2010, 47 states and the District of Columbia have booster seat laws. With more kids buckled up in a booster seat, 60% are safer than in belts alone. Every year, about 975 kids under 14 years of age die as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Kids using safety seats have an 80% lower risk of fatal injury than those who are unrestrained.
How do booster seats work?
If you child is in a car crash without a booster seat, he can incur injury to his abdomen, neck, and head. Booster seats provide a platform that lifts your kid up to the level of an adult to properly use adult safety belts. Without that life, the safety belt is an improper fit. During a crash, the lap belt can ride up over the stomach and the shoulder belt to cut across the neck, resulting in serious abdominal or neck injury. By using a booster seat, you can reduce risk of injury by 45%. (PCPS, 2003)
How do I know how to use a Booster Seat?
The booster seat that you purchase comes with a complete guide on how to use that product. It is important with car seats and booster seats to follow the directions for that exact seat. Safe Kids USA also lays out a great guide for Safety Basics for babies through teenagers. Check out the tips on using booster seats and how to perform the Safety Belt Fit Test to determine if you child is safe in his seat.
Who needs to use a Booster Seat?
Refer to your state’s seat belt laws and abide by them. Kids ages 5 to 9, who are under 4 feet 9 inches tall and less than 80 to 100 pounds, need to be in a booster seat for the best protection. Many kids will be between 8 – 12 years of age before they meet these height and weight requirements. When kids complain that boosters are for babies, explain to them that car safety is for everyone, including adults. Never call your kid’s booster seat a “car seat” or “child’s seat” to avoid this discussion. Tell them that boosters are for “big kids.” Get great tips from American Academy of Pediatrics on Booster Seats including tips on how to overcome the “But I’m a Big Kid” comment.
What Booster Seat is best for my kid?
Booster seat manufacturers are using the research and safety data to provide you with the safest options for your kids. Saftey 1st has a whole line of car seats, booster seats, infant car seats, and convertible car seats that will fit your kids safety needs from birth through childhood. You can learn more about the Safety 1st Go Hybrid Booster Seat with 5-point harness that my 5 year old uses. If your child is too young for a booster seat, I recommend the car seat that we use for my 3 year old daughter, Safety 1st Complete Air™ Convertible Car Seat.
