Booster Seats

Children between the ages of 4 and 8 who use booster seats are almost 60 percent less likely to be injured in a car crash than children who are restrained by a safety belt alone. Children should begin using a booster seat once they grow out of their toddler seats, usually when they are around 4 years old and weigh about 40 pounds. They should remain in the booster seat until the lap and shoulder belt fits properly. This is usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age.

For overall child passenger seat safety, keep these guidelines in mind:

Use rear-facing infant seats in the backseat from birth to at least one year of age and until the child is at least 20 pounds;
Use forward-facing toddler seats in the back seat from 1 year of age to age 4 and until the child is 40 pounds;
Use booster seats in the back seat from ages 4 to 8, unless the child is 4’9” or taller; and
Use safety belts in the back seat at age 8 or older or if the child is taller than 4’9”.

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