Why 9 or 4'9"?

mamoomorgan

New member
I'm a bit confused, why is a short 9 year old safe? Why is age even a factor? My oldest dd is 10 years old and 4'7", she is currently not in a booster (because of space issues, I will try to rearrange and make her booster work though). She seems to pass the 5 step test, though I'm not convinced that the belt is low enough on her hips.
Anyway, what's more important? Her height, age, or how she fits in that spot in our vehicle? FYI, she riding in the middle seat of the middle row in Toyota Sequoia.

Thanks,
Morgan.
 
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scatterbunny

New member
The fit (whether or not she passes the five step test) is most important. Age and weight are sometimes mentioned because (especially when it comes to the law) parents want to know exactly when their kiddo doesn't need to ride in that horrible booster anymore (obviously I'm being a little sarcastic there :cool:). Age and weight (and even overall height) are really just approximates, though, because all vehicle seats and seatbelt cofigurations are different.

It's possible for a 4'7" child to pass the five step test in certain vehicles/certain seating positions, I'm sure...but studies have shown that until puberty hits, the hip bones are not developed enough to do a reliable job of keeping the lapbelt low where it needs to be, to prevent it from riding up on the belly and doing internal damage in a crash. For me personally, a booster is necessary for any children in my vehicle until they are obviously into puberty, or unless the booster causes the fit to be worse rather than better.
 

mamoomorgan

New member
The puberty thing makes sense (certainly a lot more than 9 years old). So, both my older dd's have nearly outgrown their Parkways, their shoulders just fit under the wings. What booster should I get next, thinking it may be a few years and they are relatively tall for their ages (my 8 yo is as tall as my 10 yo). If it's a lbb it would have to be low profile since they are tall and obviously the headrest needs to go high enough.
Thanks for any ideas.
Morgan

p.s. narrow would be fine as we are having space issues (darn TF) and my girls are thin and have tiny butts.
 

skaterbabs

Well-known member
The reality is that "9 or 4 ft 9" is catchy and easy to remember, much like "20 lbs and a year" is easy to remember. That's why it's used. :twocents:
 

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