I need to know if my 7 year old dd still needs a booster seat. She weighs 55.6 lbs and is 50 1/2 inches tall. She just seems tall in the booster seat. Thanks!

By Trina~moderator on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 08:15 am:

Kids are safest in booster seats until they are at least 4'9" tall, 80-100 lbs. and can pass the
5 Step Test.

1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, your child needs a booster seat to make both the shoulder belt and the lap belt fit right for the best crash protection. Your child will be more comfortable, too!

More info:
BoosterSeat.gov

Boosters Are For Big Kids

My kids (DS: 9.5, 4'4", 72 lbs. and DD: 7.5, 46", 45 lbs.) still ride in boosters. DD is small for her age so she definitely needs one. DS could legally ride without a booster, but he does not pass the 5 Step Test. Bottom line, the laws of physics over ride the laws of man. If the seat belt doesn't fit properly it will not offer adequate crash protection. My kids will ride in boosters for a long time yet.

What specific booster does your DD have? It could be that she has outgrown that particular one.

Trina

By My2girlygirls on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 08:19 am:

She has the Graco Turbo Booster Youth Booster Seat. It the backless one.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 08:45 am:

What seating position does she ride in? All boosters require both a lap and shoulder belt, but backless boosters also require a seating position that has a headrest or high seat back.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 08:58 am:

Are her ears above the top of the vehicle seat back? If so, raise the headrest, if applicable, or move her to a different position, one that has both a lap/shoulder belt and headrest or high seat back.

By My2girlygirls on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 09:20 am:

She does sit with the headrest behind her head. Maybe I am just realizing how big she is getting! She just seems big. Most of the time she is sitting beside her almost 11 year old sister so she is higher and maybe that's where the "too high" illusion comes into play. I will do the 5 step test and see if she is ready to come out of the seat. I will also check the belt position and make sure that everything is appropriate! Thanks! It's great to have such quick and helpful advice!!!

By Klwm on Monday, March 6, 2006 - 02:10 pm:

Thanks for this test. DS just turned 8 and I am going to printout the test and put him in the minvan when he gets home.