How to Choose a Booster Car Seat

Many states have laws requiring children to use booster seats in cars long after they are infants or toddlers. Booster seats help protect children in a car crash, and make the seat belts fit correctly. Most booster seats fit children between the ages of four and eight, or from 40 to 80 lbs., although some models hold children as light as 25 lbs. or as large as 100 lbs. Your child can generally transition to a booster seat after he has outgrown an infant/toddler or convertible seat. There are several types of seats available to accommodate your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide if you want to use a high-backed booster seat, or a backless belt-positioning booster. High-backed models often include a five-point harness and provide more support and protection, while simple belt-positioning boosters are typically less expensive. You may prefer a high-backed model for a young child, and a backless model for an older child.

2. Make sure your child meets the height and weight range for the booster car seat. Some high-backed booster car seats can support babies as small as 25 lbs., so they can transition directly from some infant seats to the booster. Other booster seat models are better suited to larger children.

3. Find out what type of restraint system the car seat uses, and how it attaches to the car. Many high-backed boosters include a restraint harness, and use the LATCH system to attach to the car, much like an infant or toddler seat, while belt-positioning boosters may simply sit on top of the car seat and allow a belt to wrap around them at the correct height.

4. Check the height and width of the car seat, to make sure it will fit comfortably in your car, especially if you have other children in car seats in the back seat. If you travel frequently, you may also want to consider the weight of the car seat, or use a separate lightweight seat for airplane trips.

5. Allow your child to sit the car seat, if there is a display model available, to make sure it’s comfortable. If you’re buying a booster seat that is only available in a box or online, inspect the padding, and read customer reviews from other parents if possible.

6. Check out the booster seat accessories, such as cup holders, snack trays or extra storage. Some booster seats include removable padding for small children or easy washing.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the map linked below to find booster seat laws for all 50 states, or contact your local department of motor vehicles to find out the requirements for your area. Some states have only an age requirement, while others use height or weight.
• Many police departments and hospitals sponsor car seat installation safety checks, where trained professionals can make sure the booster seat is installed correctly and help you make adjustments as necessary. These checks are usually free, and can be well worth the time to make sure your child’s car seat is safe.
• Booster seats that are designed for feeding a child in a chair are not the same as booster car seats, and should not be used in the car. Do not use a car seat that is more than six-years-old, or that has ever been in a car accident. Follow all safety guidelines for installing and using the booster seat, and obey all car seat and seat belt laws.

Resources

• JPMA’s safety guidelines for buying and using a car seat
• Information about child booster car seat laws for all 50 states