How to know if ready for seat belt alone?

U

Unregistered

Guest
What do I need to look for to determine if my son fits properly in the back seat with the seat belt alone. He is 7.5, 80 lbs and 52 inches. He is currently in a Regent but is now at the max weight and harness height. Its time for a change. It would be within my state law to not use a booster but is that the safest? What do I need to look for when I test him in the seat? Thanks in advance!
 
ADS

wendytthomas

Admin - CPST Instructor
Staff member
He needs a booster. The AAP recommends using a booster to as close to 12 years old as possible, which is when the skeleton is mature enough to take the crash forces safely.

Here's how you know when he's ready for a seatbelt alone. http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm

A booster is fine for him. I'd look at the Clek Oobr, Graco Turbobooster, Recaro ProBooster, Sunshine Kids Monterey, and Britax Parkway.

Wendy
 
U

Unregistered

Guest
Thank you for the link. That is the criteria I was looking for. If we go with a booster, which has the widest and deepest seat? We had a Parkway for a back up in Dad's truck and the seat wasnt deep enough for him.
 

Jan06twinmom

New member
Thank you for the link. That is the criteria I was looking for. If we go with a booster, which has the widest and deepest seat? We had a Parkway for a back up in Dad's truck and the seat wasnt deep enough for him.

I would try the Monterey first. It's a pretty big seat in all directions. My DS is about 51in tall and weighs around 65lbs. He hasn't complained about the leg support at all. I also like that it is wider around the shoulders, where my future linebacker DS needs more space.

Melanie
 

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