Always check the seat’s instructions for specific weight and height restrictions.
A booster seat is used for children who weigh at least 18 kgs (40 lbs.). Boosters will have maximum weight limits of 36 kgs. (80 lbs.), 45.5 kgs. (100 lbs.), or even 54.5 kgs. (120 lbs.). Some boosters will have minimum age suggestions in their manuals (i.e. 4 years old). If a child is young but heavy, a forward-facing seat with a high weight limit would be the best option.
Children should stay in their booster seats until they fit the adult seat belt properly. Most children should remain in booster seats until they are between the ages of 8-12 years.
Booster seats are necessary during the period when children are too big for a forward-facing child seat but are too small for a seat belt. The booster seat works by raising the child in the vehicle seat so the seat belt is properly positioned low over the child’s hips, and collar bone (between the shoulder and neck). An incorrectly positioned seat belt over a child’s abdomen an cause the child to be seriously injured or even killed in a collision.
Children are often taken out of booster seats far too early. On average, children are ready for an adult seat belt when they are:
This occurs for most children between the ages of 8-12 years. The true indicator of seat belt readiness is seat belt fit. Have the child sit with their back and bottom against the vehicle seat back and assess the following:
