3 year-old in a backless booster

msg221 · Sep 14, 2011

I know this is totally not recommended for a 3 year-old, but if the child was one of those rare 3 year olds who does sit properly in it, she meets the minimum weight requirement (it's a Harmony backless) and the seat belt fit was fine, would it be okay then?

A friend carpools with another mom and this is what she gave to my friend for her daughter. My friend asked her about a harnessed seat and the mom insisted she sits properly in it and from what my friend said, she does. I still would not be comfortable with it, but my friend did not want to push the issue with this other mom.

babyherder · Sep 14, 2011

3 year olds still have 3 year old bodies, no matter how nicely they sit. Their bodies are not as developed as that of an older child so they cannot withstand the forces put on their bodies by a 3 point belt as well as an older child can. I would not transport a 3 year old in a booster.

eyeslkethesky5391 · Sep 14, 2011

babyherder said:
3 year olds still have 3 year old bodies, no matter how nicely they sit. Their bodies are not as developed as that of an older child so they cannot withstand the forces put on their bodies by a 3 point belt as well as an older child can. I would not transport a 3 year old in a booster.

:yeahthat:

creideamh · Sep 15, 2011

I wouldn't want the liability of transporting someone else's 3 year old in a backless booster, even if I didn't know much about car seats. (Not to mention it's against the law here...)

msg221 · Sep 15, 2011

I was trying to find information to confirm what Arizona's laws are, and I believe it just states that a child age 5 and under has to be in a restraint, but does not have anything making it illegal for a 3 year-old to ride in a booster.

I did find this article. And then I saw the accompanying photo:

http://www.ehow.com/list_6817831_arizona-child-restraint-laws-boosters.html

Aside from the big puffy coat, what the heck kind of seat is that? Foreign? That is one I just don't recognize.

Since it's not really illegal for her to ride in the booster, then could she really be held liable if something happened to this child? I was thinking of offering my RN to her since it is just sitting in my guest room.

agurlsride · Sep 15, 2011

Their car seat laws are just about as ridiculous as the drivers license renewal dates...mine doesn't expire until 2042!!! And you can bet you're booty I'm not gonna turn it in for another Cali license any time soon...

carseatcoach · Sep 15, 2011

No, I honestly don't believe there is such a thing as a 3yo who is truly ready for a backless booster.

jourdysmom · Sep 15, 2011

I would have my own seat for the kid, and yes, that is a foreign seat of some kind

msg221 · Sep 15, 2011

I just texted my friend and asked her if she'd be willing to use the RN if I let her borrow it. I just told her it's just not safe for B to ride in that backless booster (I haven't seen her in it, so I have no idea what the belt fit is like on her) and I would hate to have something happen if she were ever to get into an accident and then have my friend feel responsible. The ride to their school is a 30 minute drive in morning rush hour traffic as well.

hrice · Sep 15, 2011

carseatcoach said:
No, I honestly don't believe there is such a thing as a 3yo who is truly ready for a backless booster.

:yeahthatsad:

Sorry, I am just not buying it. 3 year olds do not have that kind of impulse control.

MommyofThree · Sep 15, 2011

Yes I agree, A three year old is not mature enough for a booster. Even if the seat belt seems to fit currectly their bodies are so little and the child tents to put the belt behind them or move out of the seat easily. A booster with the back on it would have a little more support than a backless booster. Rear Facing is ultamately the best for a 3 year old. Min a 5 pt harness car seat.

3 year-old in a backless booster

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