What is a booster seat?
Children require a lap and shoulder belt combination. Belt-positioning booster seats raise children up so that this belt combination fits correctly. Shield booster seats, which have a plastic shield in front of the child, offer less protection and should not be used. • Why use a booster seat? Booster seats have been shown to reduce injury risk by 59% compared to safety belts alone, for children ages 4 to 7 years (Durbin 2003). Use a booster seat with the vehicle lap and shoulder safety belts until your child passes the Safety Belt Fit Test. Take the next step to the safety belt when you answer “yes” to these questions: • Does your child exceed the booster seat’s height and weight limits? • Does your child pass the Safety Belt Fit Test in all vehicles used: • Have your child sit all the way back on the vehicle seat. Do his or her knees bend at the front edge of the seat? If they bend naturally, go to #2. If they don’t, return to the booster seat. • Buckle the lap and shoulder belt. Be s
