So you're a parent, guardian or caregiver and your little cherub is growing up fast. They've outgrown their front-facing car seat and now it's time to start thinking about booster seats. As always, safety is paramount when it comes to any vehicle ride but especially for children. But the question on every parent's mind is "what type of booster seat do I need for my 7 year old?". Look no further! We'll tackle this question head-on with some handy tips!
The Importance of Using a Booster Seat
Before we dive into the world of boosters, let's quickly review why they are so important in the first place. Simply put, boosters help position your child correctly inside the car so that in case of an accident they will be properly protected by both the seat belt and airbag if applicable.
Fun Fact: Wearing a properly fitted lap-shoulder belt cuts a child’s risk of fatal injuries by almost half compared to using just a seatbelt alone.
Now that we know how crucially important booster seats are let’s explore what kind will best suit our kiddos at seven years old (or possibly even older)!
What Type of Booster Should I Use?
Firstly - not all boosters are created equal! There are two types available:
High-back Boosters
Often used for younger children between around four to eight years old weighing over 18 kg (40 lbs).
They have side panels which provide extra head support as well as side impact protection. These types must anchor directly onto metal hooks built into your vehicle's seat or secured via ISOFIX/LATCH connections.
Note: Specified Age/Weight categories vary depending on location - this varies from country-to-country.
Backless Boosters
These appear much like cushions with armrests which sit atop your vehicle seat. Sometimes referred to as "booster cushions" or "seatbelt positioners".
These are usually recommended for older children i.e., those over 8 years old and over approximately 22 kg (48 lbs) - since they do not have the additional side protection of high-back boosters.
Fun Fact: Backless boosters still provide better positioning when worn correctly than a child using solely the vehicle's in-built lap-shoulder belt.
So, if your little one is seven-years-old right now it sounds like we could go with either type, correct? Not so fast! There's another important consideration to bear in mind: height!
The Height Factor
Now wait just one moment bud! You didn't think booster seats only took weight into account did you? Think about this scenario:
Your 7 year old has met or exceeded the minimum weight limit for a backless booster but they are short-statured so without support their lower legs end up dangling off their edge of the vehicle seat (a situation also referred to as “submarining”).
This can be dangerous since essentially any impact will lead mostly onto these weak areas which may cause serious injury.
- Fun fact alert! Dangling feet don’t always mean its time for changes; ensure your littles' knees bend at around ninety degrees when seated on a booster cushion before opting-out from using it.
What Age And Weight does my Little One Have?
Before deciding whether to purchase a high-back or backless booster let's examine some general guidelines regarding age/height-weight classifications:
| Booster Type | Appropriate For |
|---|---|
| High-Backed Boosters | Children aged four (minimum) -eight years old approx >18 kg(40lb) |
| Backless Boosters/Cushion Seat Elevators/Flat Vehicle Seat Cushions | - Anyone who surpassed eight yrs + approx. 22 kg (48 lbs-ish) but has a minimum height of at least 4 ft 9 inches |
Fun Fact Alert: In some European countries, children under four feet five inches {approx.40% percentile in EU countries} must legally use child restraints to ride in any passenger car.
So as expected there's variation involved between the different booster classifications and age/height-weight ranges so be sure to double-check what is appropriate based on your region’s guidelines.
Bottom Line: To Boost or Not to Boost?
Despite parents trying hard not wanting growing up for their little ones - sooner or later they'll graduate from a front-facing seat! It could be confusing knowing whether or not it’s time; however here are some tips wrap-up:
- Keep using it until no longer suitable even after graduation
- Measure the Child's Height
- The correct way Harness shoulder straps placement
- Check State Laws <>_ The following best practice guides given can vary from country-to-country; ensure you review up-to-date legislation/regulations surrounding booster seats.
Ensure that when purchasing a backless-style booster vehicle seat that its back has been designed with contoured headrests which will accommodate for side head movement better still affording adequate ‘side sway’ protection.
Aww shucks! Our journey through "booster basics" have reached an end but we hope these handy tips provide additional considerations for all those growing kiddos out there. Happy and safe travels guys!
Author: This article was written by someone who believes comedy mixed with education always makes the best content(?)