tam_shops
New member
I find the whole thing very confusing too because I thought I was doing the right thing to keep my not quite 40 pound 5 yo harnessed, but then I read things here that suggest some people think boosters are safer. For us, she's completely happy being harnessed and feels really good about being able to buckle herself in (something I hear can be harder with a booster). Something I've wondered about myself is how one explains the booster rules without that huge responsibility causing the child excessive worry and stress.
According to the research (not presented) by Transport Canada, you ARE doing the right thing. It is the law here to booster until 40#. There is no age, just weight. And, if I am reading the information leading up to the 2012 Canadian changes correctly, then the Canadian gov't looked at decreasing the current booster weight limit from 40# to match the American 30# and they decided against it.
3. The minimum mass to use a booster cushion would remain at 18 kg
The United States allows children starting at 13.6 kg to use booster cushions. Research has shown that these smaller children are safer in a child restraint system with an integral five-point harness rather than using a booster cushion. Therefore the proposal would not reduce the minimum Canadian mass requirements for the booster cushions.
I'm glad I came across this thread as I am currently processing when I might decide to let my almost 40# almost 6yo ride in a booster, even for a short field trip or something...and was starting to lean towards 7yo but if there is research to suggest 8yo, *that* works for me. The part that worries me about it would be the comparison I draw between my 1972 car w/ those permanent not changing shoulder belts that they changed to our current style of retractile ones. Car seat 5pt harness would be comparable to the 1972 style of seat belt and that did have it's draw backs and would have to have been really hard on your head/neck...
The other thing that makes me pause is the fact that my almost 6yo is the size of a 4yo. He is the oldest and among the shortest in his class. He isn't even on the top slots of his GN, I lean towards if it ain't broke, don't fix it! LOL Besides, I've just switched him to FF! LOL
tam