Securing a heavy booster?

ortner.liz · Mar 18, 2023

I have a Diono Radian, my son is 73 lbs, 54 inches (9.5 years old). He technically still fits in it as a harness, but I'm debating switching him to booster mode just to get him used to booster. If I use it as a booster, can I use the latch connectors to secure it to the seat, so i don't have to worry about it launching when he's not in it and I'm driving around? I know I could just fasten the seatbelt around it but lets be real, he's 9, he is not going to remember to re-do the buckle every time he gets out of the seat, and often someone might be in a hurry to go somewhere and won't necessarily remember that that kid isn't riding with us, his booster is loose back there, we should buckle it before we go. (i.e. my husband or my teen drivers!) Anyway, just wondering if it is acceptable to use the latch connectors in that manner.

And a related question - is there less head-extrusion for an older child in a seat belt vs. a harness? I guess I'm asking which would be safer for this particular child, assuming harness is properly done and seat belt is properly done, which would be safer in the event of an accident?

ortner.liz · Mar 18, 2023

Well I just went and checked how he fits in the seat, and he definitely has outgrown it, lol. Kicking myself for not checking on him sooner, but his shoulders are definitely higher than the last harness slot.

High back booster it is.

SafeDad · Mar 19, 2023

Diono is unusual in that some of their manuals allow use of the harness even when the child's shoulders are above the top harness slots. Even so, I think a booster is probably the right choice given the information you provided. A backless booster is also a good option, provided the vehicle has adequate head restraint. At that age and height, it's likely a booster is still needed for proper fit, but some kids that age may even have good belt fit without a booster, depending on the vehicle.

Yes, there are some all-in-one and combination harness/booster that allow LATCH use. It's necessarily a safety benefit in booster mode, but as you mention, it can be handy for when it's not in use or during loading/unloading to prevent tipping. Some boosters, both high back, backless and models that convert from high back to backless also have lower LATCH attachments for this purpose. Check the manual or product info on models you are considering to make sure.