Harness or booster?

amanny · Feb 24, 2012

So I had been considering putting my 6 year old in a booster full time after reading here that it would be safe, but then today I saw that the AAP is recommending harnessing as long as possible. My child still fits in a 5 point harness. Would you booster your 4 ft, 48 lbs 6 year old or harness him, and why?

christineka · Feb 24, 2012

If I already had a harnessed seat for him that he could fit in and didn't need it for another kid, I would use it as the main seat. (I would only because I'm lazy and harnessed seats are easier.) If I thought he would sit in a booster fine, I'd go for a booster. If after several rides, he wasn't sitting right, I'd consider putting him back into a harness.

bree · Feb 24, 2012

christineka said:
If I already had a harnessed seat for him that he could fit in and didn't need it for another kid, I would use it as the main seat. (I would only because I'm lazy and harnessed seats are easier.) If I thought he would sit in a booster fine, I'd go for a booster. If after several rides, he wasn't sitting right, I'd consider putting him back into a harness.

:yeahthat:

StillThankful · Feb 24, 2012

Hi there

There have been many discussions on this board pertaining to this subject. Different variables determine whether one mama may want to booster versus keep her little one harnessed.

For me, I boostered DD1 when she was 5y1m but discovered that she was still a major "car sleeper" which caused major head slump in her booster; therefore, I opted to re-harness her. She has not asked to be re-boostered thankfully. I just explained to her that when she stops sleeping so much in the car and can stay in proper position, then I'll let her be in a booster. My goal is 7.

Here are some of the threads where this topic is disussed: THese are just a few of them--there are many more

Variables This is a nonexhaustive list:

maturity of child--can child stay in proper position in booster--still fidgety, major car sleeper, trying to interact with other passengers--easily distracted, etc...?
Child fit in booster
age/size of child to fit minimum recs
neck load concerns in hwh versus booster submarining
convenience for school pick ups by other people
frequency of having to install seat in other cars