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HOME/Safety and Prevention/How Long Do Kids Need Booster Seats?

How Long Do Kids Need Booster Seats?

How Long Do Kids Need Booster Seats?
December 19, 2018
10 Comments
By: Emily Lee

The legal answer to this question comes from the state in which you live. For the State of Ohio, booster seat law states a child should remain in a booster seat until they reach 8 years old or 4’9” tall, whichever comes first. The AAA has child restraint laws listed alphabetically by state for reference.

Because the legal age to ride without a booster is 8, we see a lot of children transitioning out of their booster seat right at their 8th birthday. But most child passenger safety experts – myself included – advise families to keep kids in a booster until they reach 4’9” tall.

WHY THIS HEIGHT?

This height may seem tall, but it is the height determined to be the point at which the vehicle’s seat belt begins to fit like it would an adult. Seat belts, when first designed, were made for adults, not children, and therefore do not fit children properly.

CHECKING FOR PROPER SEAT BELT FIT

A proper seat belt fit means the lap belt sits low on the abdomen, across the pelvic bone and hips. It also means the shoulder belt is angled across the chest, collarbone and shoulder. It should not rub against the child’s neck. The official name for boosters is “belt positioning booster seats.” This is because the booster lifts the child into a position that allows the seat belt to fit properly.

If it doesn’t fit properly, the child could be injured more seriously in a crash. A lap belt across the stomach instead of hips can cause internal abdominal injuries in a crash. Additionally, a shoulder belt that has been placed behind the child’s back because it’s rubbing his or her neck cannot keep the child against the back of the seat in the event of a crash.

Bottom line, keeping children in booster seats longer than 8 years old is a good thing. One study found that children riding in booster seats are 45% less likely to be injured in a crash than a child just using a seat belt.

HIGH-BACK VS. NO-BACK BOOSTERS

There are no specific recommendations for when to transition a child from a high-back booster seat to a no-back booster. However, it’s always important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Many times there are different requirements between high-backs and no-backs in regard to age, weight and height. Additionally, it is important to remember that a high-back booster must be used in a vehicle where there is no headrest to protect the child’s head and neck in the event of a crash.

IS IT TIME TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO THE BOOSTER?

Your child may be as old as 12 before the seat belt fits him or her without the booster, but it’s important to wait until that point for each child. If you think your 8- to 12-year-old is getting close, you can do this five-step test to determine if they’re ready to ride without the booster. If you answer “NO” to any of these questions, we suggest you continue to use the booster seat and try again in 3 or 4 months.

The five step test:

  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. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
  4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
  5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

And if you ever see your child put the shoulder belt behind his or her back, ask that they put it back immediately. If it’s an ongoing issue, it may be indication that you need to pull the booster back out and use it for a while longer.

Are you considering an inflatable car seat for your child? Learn more about inflatable car seat safety, how old your child should be to use one, and more.

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About the author: Emily Lee

Emily Lee is an Injury Prevention Coordinator with the Cincinnati Children’s Comprehensive Injury Center. She is also a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and Instructor. A lifelong Cincinnatian, Emily and her husband love exploring the city and spending time with their new dog, Bella.

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Comments

mamakaren September 4, 2016 at 2:38 pm

My daughter was very short for her age….she did not reach 4′ 9″ until she was in high school.
I realize the reason for your booster seat rules….but do you know how cruel middle school girls
can be?? Have you taken a middles school child to school in a booster seat and her whole
school made fun and laughed at her??? Please consider that some rules are harmful to kids
in other ways!

    Avatar photo
    Emily Lee September 6, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s middle school experience related to booster seats. It sounds like you followed the laws of your state and kept her in a booster seat longer than most other kids her age, which is considered best practice. By keeping her in a booster seat until she grew taller it allowed for the seat belt to fit her more like an adult (which is who the seat belts are designed to fit). However, I understand that parents have tough choices to make when weighing vehicle safety vs the psychological needs of their kids.

      Dancinmama March 1, 2020 at 6:32 pm

      My daughter is very short and I made her sit in the back seat until she started driving. Not sure how long she was in a car seat, she’s 34 now. 4’11”.

How Long do Kids Need Booster Seats? - Family Helpers September 21, 2016 at 5:02 am

[…] Originally posted here. […]

Kristin November 2, 2016 at 5:46 pm

Are there age/weight/height recommendations for when to switch your child from a high backed booster to just the booster seat? Thanks!

    Avatar photo
    Emily Lee November 3, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Kristin-
    Great question! There are no specific recommendations for when to transition a child from a high back booster seat to a no-back booster, however it’s always important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Many times there are different requirements between high back and no backs, in regards to age, weight and height. Additionally, it is important to remember that a high back booster must be used in a vehicle where there is no headrest to protect the child’s head and neck in the event of a crash.

BVMfan January 14, 2019 at 12:49 pm

What information can you share regarding a car seat/ booster seat that is compatible for a vehicle AND
FAA approved for an airplane for a 4 and 6 year old? Our family will be flying to our vacation destination and will rent a vehicle while there. Thank you!

    Avatar photo
    Emily Lee January 16, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Great question! Many car seats are FAA approved for airplane use and this can be found on a label or sticker on your child’s car seat. When it comes to booster seats, they are not FAA approved. The reason is because booster seats require both a lap and shoulder belt to be used safely. As you know, an airplane only has a lap belt. Therefore, it cannot be used on an airplane. However, we definitely recommend bringing your children’s car seats and booster seats with you on your trip. You just will not be able to use the booster seat on the plane.

Sandra Rosen March 12, 2019 at 1:43 am

I want to ask a question regarding booster seats. I have a 2years old nephew and his height is 14”. Should I use booster seats when we will travel in Car?

    Avatar photo
    Kate Setter March 15, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Hi Sandra – A two-year old child still needs to ride in a car safety seat with a 5-point harness.

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