Note: This story is part of a series in which St. Tammany Health System experts respond to health-related questions from our Northshore neighbors.
How do I know if my child is ready to graduate to a booster seat when traveling, and how can I tell if it fits him properly? – A.B., Mandeville
Good questions; you’re not the only one wondering. As important as they are for the safety of children, car seats can prompt frustration, confusion and even intimidation in many parents.
Your child is ready for a booster seat when they are older than 4 and/or have outgrown their forward-facing car seat with internal harness by height or weight.
When your child is seated in the booster seat, make sure the lap belt fits low across the hips and the shoulder belt across the shoulder.
Generally, children need a booster seat until they are between 8 and 12 years old. Use a booster seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt until your child passes all of the following milestones:
1. Their knees bend at the edge of the vehicle seat when their back and bottom are against the vehicle seat back.
2. The vehicle lap belt fits across the upper thighs without a booster.
3. The vehicle shoulder belt fits across the child’s shoulder and chest without a booster.
St. Tammany Health System’s Parenting Center has certified passenger safety technicians on staff who can ensure your car seat is installed properly or to teach you how to install them – all at no charge. Call (985) 898-4435 to set an appointment. We encourage expectant parents to call for a free installation and/or instruction appointment at least two weeks before their due date.
– Marla C. Rabalais, RD, LDN, CPST, St. Tammany Health System Parenting Center health educator