Help. Need a booster seat for a bigger kid

J

JessG

Guest
Hi everyone. I am in a situation where I need some help finding a booster seat for a bigger kid. My son is 113lbs and is too big for standard booster seats. He has Autism, ADHD and Epilepsy. To be safe he needs to remain in a booster seat. He is only 7 and 51" tall. His Doctor thinks it is ok to be out of a booster since in WI he meets weight requirements but he has a history of unbuckling and trying to move around the car. Does anyone know of any booster seats that support bigger kids? I am finding some but they are anywhere from $500 to $1600 and that is a lot of money. I have funding but I wanted to see if anyone else had ideas.

Thanks for taking the time to read.
 
ADS

Mommy0608

New member
Hi, and welcome to the forum. :) When you say he unbuckles, is that without a booster seat, or does he unbuckle while riding in a booster seat as well? What seat does he currently ride in, and how does it fit him at the moment (is he too tall, seat too narrow, etc.)? There might be a standard (conventional) booster that would fit him. The Sunshine Kids Monterey goes to 120lbs and the side wings adjust out for greater width.

Do you feel that he needs to be in something with a harness or other restraint to prevent him from unbuckling? There are vests that can accommodate children (and adults!) to much higher weight limits and can prevent the occupant from unbuckling. If this is something you might be interested in we can point you in the right direction.

What happens when he has a seizure in the vehicle? Does he remain upright, in proper position? This information would be helpful in recommending appropriate seating options.

Oh, and in regard to cost, it's possible that insurance may be able to help. Does he have an OT or other specialist that could write a letter of necessity (basically a 'prescription') for a special needs seat?
 
U

Unregistered

Guest
I will have to check the brand of carseat he currently uses. He can unbuckle while in the booster and when not in the booster. We have purchased the lock covers for the seat belts. He has not had seizures in the car yet (thank god). I am looking into the vest option as well but still think a booster is needed because he is to short and the seat belt rest on his chin. My brother in law is a police officer and he warned I can still be ticketed for my son not being in a booster seat because the WI DOT has a checklist that says he is exempt but the police do not go by that. I am going to get a letter from the doctor for the funding. The funding comes from a Wavier program if insurance denies it. I have heard of that one and we are going to be looking at it if I find it in a store to have him sit in it to see if he fits. Thanks for the ideas :)
 

Mommy0608

New member
Hm, okay. If he's unbuckling even in a booster, chances are it won't matter what booster you use, he'll still unbuckle. Vests are appropriate child restraints, so in terms of legal vs. illegal, a vest would be okay. Also, there are floor mounted vests (you'd have to add some hardware to your vehicle) that completely prevent the child from getting out. You would not use this with a booster, but the seat belt wouldn't be an issue because that isn't used with this particular set up.
 

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