I know the mantra in the U.S. is to keep kids harnessed for as long as they fit in their carseat, and certainly until at least 40 pounds. But the more I read the more I question whether the evidence supports this--and whether harnessing older but lightweight children (who are mature enough to sit properly in a booster) is actually LESS safe than putting them in a highback booster.
I have a 6yo 38-pounder. I'm happy to continue harnessing but am unconvinced that a harness is safer or even as safe, at this age and weight, as a high-back booster. Of course this is predicated on my child's ability to sit appropriately.
I've done numerous searches online, including reading abstracts from medical journals, and still don't see the evidence to support extended forward-facing. Then there are articles like this one that give me pause: http://www.thecarcrashdetective.com/2017/10/when-booster-seat-safe-sweden.html/
Can those on the forum who are a lot more expert than I am convince me? Why keep a child like mine harnessed, and where's the data to show it's as safe as or safer than boostering? TIA.
I have a 6yo 38-pounder. I'm happy to continue harnessing but am unconvinced that a harness is safer or even as safe, at this age and weight, as a high-back booster. Of course this is predicated on my child's ability to sit appropriately.
I've done numerous searches online, including reading abstracts from medical journals, and still don't see the evidence to support extended forward-facing. Then there are articles like this one that give me pause: http://www.thecarcrashdetective.com/2017/10/when-booster-seat-safe-sweden.html/
Can those on the forum who are a lot more expert than I am convince me? Why keep a child like mine harnessed, and where's the data to show it's as safe as or safer than boostering? TIA.