How to Install a Booster Seat

A booster seat raises a child up so he can properly use the lap and shoulder belts in a vehicle. A child should use a booster seat when he weighs between 40 and 80 pounds and is 4 feet 9 inches tall or less. Proper installation is key to the safety of the child. Learn the correct way to install a booster seat for maximum security.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ensure the booster seat you purchased meets Federal standards. The label on the booster seat should read "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards."

2. Look at your vehicle's operating manual. Follow the guidelines to install a child safety seat in your particular make and model.

3. Read the manual that accompanies the booster seat. It will include specific instructions that you must follow to ensure a safe installation.

4. Fill out and mail the registration card that came with your booster seat. The manufacturer can then contact you if the seat is recalled.

5. Choose a spot in the back seat of the vehicle to install the booster seat. If your vehicle was manufactured after September 2002, use the LATCH system to attach the seat to the vehicle. If the vehicle is not equipped with LATCH, use the seat belt system in your vehicle to secure the booster seat in place.

6. Contact a safety technician to check your seat for correct installation. Call (866) SEAT-CHEC to find a technician in your area.

Tips & Warnings

• All child safety seats manufactured in the United States must meet Federal safety standards.
• Always install a child safety seat in the back seat of your vehicle. It is also recommended that all children ages 13 and under sit in the back seat of a vehicle.
• Ensure that the seat belt fits your child correctly. The shoulder belt should come over the shoulder and across the chest. The lap belt should fit snugly over the hips, not the abdomen.
• When using a convertible booster seat with a harness, adjust the harness clip so it is at armpit level.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Website
• American Academy of Pediatrics for Information About Booster Seat Manufacturers