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Car Seat Safety: Harness or Booster?

by | Last updated Mar 2, 2022


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Children grow so fast. When is it time to move them from rear-facing to forward-facing or into a booster seat?

Child car seats are extremely effective at reducing the risk of injury or death, but only if your child is fitted in the appropriate car seat. As car accident lawyers in Palm Beach County, we see firsthand just how dangerous it is when your child is not properly protected in a wreck.

The chart below shows the age suggestions for when to move your child into the next seat. Please use this only as a guideline. It’s important to follow the specific weight and height requirements on your car seat owner’s manual.

Car Safety Seat

From SafeCar.gov

When is it time to change?

Safety experts encourage parents to keep their children in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible. They recommend rear-facing seats for children under 2 years old, until they weigh 30-45 pounds, depending on the model. The old “1 year and 20lbs” milestone is no longer the recommended standard.

Parents are urged to keep their child in a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.

Once a child outgrows the car seat manufacturer’s height or weight limits (typically between 40 and 65 pounds) on the forward-facing seat, it’s time to transition to the booster seat.

This diagram is a good indication of when your child needs to move to the next step.

Car Seat Safety: Harness or Booster?

SafeKids.org

When is your child ready to ride without a booster?

TheCarSeatLady.com offers this informative ‘5 Step’ test to help you decide when to make the switch.

Child Booster Safety

Remember to always keep your child in the backseat of your vehicle until they are at least 13 years old.

At every age, be sure to:

Read the manual.

Never toss the manual in the trash after you install the car seat. Refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions, especially the height and weight limits.

Don’t rush it!

Don’t move your child to a booster seat before they’re ready. When you “graduate” your child to the next seat, there’s a reduction in the level of protection. Keep your child in each stage for as long as possible.

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If you or a loved one are injured in a car accident, never hesitate to call your Palm Beach accident lawyers at (561) 777-7700. Our experienced attorneys and professionals truly care about you! We are here 24/7- 365 to get you the help you need. Call today for a free case evaluation.

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