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Factors To Consider So You Know When To Use Booster Seats

By Marie Watson


A booster is a type of seating option found in cars that allows a young child to sit upright. Some states in the United States will require parents to bring their own when commuting via cabs or in their own cars. These are important because it helps young children to sit up, while still being able to keep them safe and comfortable.

However, one cannot simply make this transition anytime they wish. There are many factors to take into consideration when figuring out when to use booster seats. If you are a parent who is trying to figure this out, then this article is for you.

Foremost, you should make sure the child is at least four years old and weighs at least forty pounds. This is the minimum requirement to use one to ensure their safety. However, if the kid is tall enough, they can also make use of it. Avoid allowing them just because it is their fourth birthday, their safety should be prioritized here.

Safety should always be your main priority, as a parent you want nothing but the best for your son or daughter and always want to protect them. Following this logic, the booster you plan on purchasing should have a lap and shoulder belt. Only having one of these is not enough to ensure security and besides, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

For best protection, it would be best to situate it in the back seat because it is far safer than being in front. In case of falls or crashes their fall will be cushioned by the surrounding seats and the likelihood of them crashing into glass is minimized. This will also benefit the driver because it will eliminate any distraction since they can always keep an eye on the kid through the rearview mirror.

When you are seriously considering installing boosters, familiarize yourself with the important safety guidelines associated with it. For instance, a rear facing seat is advisable for children who have no previous experience using one. Choosing a forward facing position will affect the way their neck grows and may cause some deformities since they are in the tender age where their bones are still developing.

Before fitting, read the instructions thoroughly to avoid compromising its effects. Remember, the item should be as tightly fitted as possible which means there should be no excessive sideways or forward motion. As a parent, it is your responsibility to check on this regularly.

Usually, the best way to tell when a harness is tight enough is if you can insert two fingers between the chest of the child and the harness. Doing so will assure you that your son or daughter can still breathe and move comfortably. This should be adjusted regularly, especially when wearing bulky clothes or when the kid has gained some weight.

Furthermore, try your best to discourage your son or daughter from playing with the buckles. Doing this may modify its tightness, which affects the quick release mechanism during accidents. You do not want to compromise the effectiveness of the device so take care of it properly.




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