For new parents, it may be difficult to imagine a time when your child will outgrow their car seat; but it will happen. Following the guidelines for height, weight, and age will help you to figure out when it’s time to upgrade to a booster seat. Booster seats are essentially a honed-down version of a baby car seat that still protects your child without being quite so confining. While safety should always be a priority, you may find yourself fighting your older child about becoming a booster.
Depending on their height and weight, older kids could be in a booster until they are up to 12 years old. This may be a source of friction between you and your child. Many older children feel embarrassed or frustrated about remaining in a booster seat. It’s important to remember that a booster seat is crucial to their safety.
If your child is resistant to getting in their Diono booster seat, it’s helpful to remind them that it is the law, and there is no other choice. Let’s take a closer look at a few other important reasons that booster seats are essential for your child.
It’s the Law
The easiest way to explain the need for a booster seat to your child is to quote the law. In every state, your child must be in a car seat or booster until they have reached an appropriate height and weight. Using a standard seat belt is unsafe for smaller children. If you are unsure about the size requirements, you can consult your state’s Highway Safety Association webpage for details.
Proper Fitting
Every child develops at a different rate. In some cases, children with longer legs may be moved to a booster seat before it is safe. Longer legs may seem to indicate that your child has outgrown their forward-facing car seat, but it’s essential to measure their height and weight before making a move.
Child Safety
It is the priority of every parent to keep their child safe in every situation. Using the proper car seat or booster can help save your child’s life if there is an accident. Ensuring your child is fitted into the appropriate safety seat for their height, and weight can help protect them when you are on the road.
Seat Belts Can Be Dangerous
If you allow your child to use a seatbelt rather than a booster too soon, you could put them in a dangerous situation. Seat belts are designed to restrain the body in a crash and can put a lot of pressure on the body. If your child is too small for a seat belt, it could cause grave injury in an accident. Regarding booster seats, it is always better to err on the side of caution and keep them until they are grown enough to use them.
There is nothing more important to a parent than keeping their child safe. Car safety should always be a priority. To determine which safety seat is best for you, research the proper size requirements for your state. Get your child safely buckled in every time you hit the road.