As of July 1, 2005 New Indiana Child Restraint Laws will go into effect. More info here...

IT PASSED!

By Brandy on Saturday, March 6, 2004 - 04:29 pm:

Okay my question is is i know my boys don't weigh that much so do i still have to put them in it even though they are 7 & 9?does it go by weight and age or just either one?

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, March 6, 2004 - 06:00 pm:

Brandy, I will look further into the specifics regarding the new laws and get back to you. From what I've read it appears to be just the age of eight but don't qoute me on that. LOL! Here's a link to an article.

Booster Bill Passes

Regardless of what individual state laws are Child Passenger Safety experts recommend kids to stay in boosters until they can pass the 5 Step Test. Most kids can't do this until at least age 8 and about 4'9" tall. Many are 10 yrs. old before they can pass the 5 Step Test. The laws of physics defy government laws. Seat belts are not designed for children. Booster seats boost them up so that seat belts fit properly.

More info....

BoostAmerica.org

Boosters - NHTSA

When Can My Child Switch From a Booster Seat to Seat Belts Alone?

By Vbw1978 on Saturday, March 6, 2004 - 08:46 pm:

THis is not fair caue my 7yr old daughter is 5'1" & her shoulder belt comes between her neck & shoulder she sits straight againist the chair back. She was in a booster till llast year I had to take her out cause the lap belt was to tight with her being that tall. Her knees bend comfortably , the tips of her toes almost touch the floor board. I hope that there is exceptions to this bill, cause she is very uncomfortable in a booster !!!!! She will be 8 in June so maybe (HOPEFULLY) she will not be subject to this bill!!!!

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, March 6, 2004 - 09:31 pm:

Welcome to Momsview, Veronica. Wow, your DD is tall! The new laws don't go into effect until July 1, 2005. Your DD will be 9 by then.

By Kate on Saturday, March 6, 2004 - 11:46 pm:

Trina, when they say the lap belt should go across the thighs, WHAT does that mean?? It doesn't go across thighs on anyone, does it? It's not designed to LAY on your body, it rather 'stands up' when it's extended and belted, so how can it go across the thighs? I can see it going against the hip bones but where oh where do the thighs come into play?

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, March 7, 2004 - 09:18 am:

Kate, they say the lap belt should rest naturally below the belly touching the top of the thighs. Not across the thighs. Pretty much as you described it above. LOL! I guess that's the easiest way to explain it to people so that they don't place the belt across the tummy, which can actually cause injuries (stomach, liver, spleen damage) during a crash.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, March 8, 2004 - 02:10 pm:

Brandy, Hopefully this post will answer your questions.

New Indiana Booster Law