Older children

blessings567 · Aug 10, 2007

My 8yr old (80 lbs) and 10 yr old (90 lbs) outgrew their boosters by height in our minivan and have not been in them for some time (their ears were past the headrests of the minivan while sitting in them). (My 10 yr old has not had one for 2 yrs, my 8yr old for 1) Now with the larger van the seats are much bigger and taller. Should I consider putting them back in boosters (they would hate me!)?

LuvMyGirls · Aug 10, 2007

For me, that would depend on how the seat belts fit them in the new van.

CDNTech · Aug 10, 2007

If they pass the 5 step test, then there is no need to put them in a booster. A booster is designed to make the seatbelt fit correctly, so if the seatbelt fits correctly without using a booster, there is not really a need for a booster.

They are tall enough so that their legs bend at the knees at the edge of the seat; and
They are mature enough to remain seated with their backs flat against the back of the seat and not slouch; and
The lap belt sits high on the thighs or low on the hips (NOT on their tummy!); and
The shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest (NOT on their arms or neck!); and
They can remain this way for the entire trip

skaterbabs · Aug 11, 2007

If they don't pass the 5 step test, they NEED to be in boosters. However, if there is sufficient head support, a backless is fine.

The 5 Step Test

If you answer "No" to any of these questions, your child must be in a booster seat:
1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Is the lap belt touching the top of the thighs, not the tummy?
4. Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

Older children

blessings567

New member

LuvMyGirls

New member

CDNTech

Senior Community Member

skaterbabs

Well-known member

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Sponsors

Forum statistics