PlacentaMama said:
DS is 8 1/2, 55 lbs, 4' 5". We are in Cali & if Im understanding the new law right he has to be 49" before he can ride w/out a booster, right? But is it overkill to have him in a highjack booster, rather than a backless one?
At 8 years old, he can legally ride without a booster, but ONLY if the belt fits properly. In fact, even at 4'9", the belt has to fit properly to be legal. It's fine print in the law, but it's there.
"Proper fit" means that the lap belt sits low on the hips and the shoulder belt crosses the middle of the shoulder.
It's not until age 10 that 51% of kids it properly without a booster.
I prefer a high-back as long as the child fits, but a backless is fine, too, as long as there is head support and it positions the belt correctly.