Booster seat

What are the new requirements for when a child should go in a booster seat and when they can just sit with a seat belt?

Booster seat

NYS law: A child must remain in an appropriate child restraint system until the age of eight (8)

However:
NHTSA, Safe Kids, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend that children between 8 and 12 years old continue to use a booster until they fit the belt correctly alone, usually around 4’9?.

http://www.safercar.gov/parents/RightSeat.htm

In order to fit the belt correctly, the following must *all* be true. (Commonly called the 5-step test)

1. Shoulder belt firmly in the middle of the shoulder

2. Lapbelt low on the thighs

3. Bum all the way back in the vehicle seat bight

4. Knees bend beyond the edge of the vehicle seat and feet rest on the floor

5. Child can maintain this position 100% of the time without moving

Re: Booster seat

The laws and the recommendations are two totally different things. Yes, the law is 8/80lbs but NY law was written 30 years ago. The recommended age is actually closer to 10/12 years old when a proper belt fit is achieved and they can pass the 5 step test.

Here's some links about why kids need to stay in boosters older then 8/80lb

Boosters are for big kids too

5 step test

Re: Booster seat

As far as going from a harnessed seat to a booster. Again, the law and the recommendation are different. The law in NY states 4/40lbs. Again, the law was written 30 years agothough during a time that seats didnt have the weight limits they do now.

The recommendation is to now max out the limits of the harnesses but a minimum of 5.5/6 years old went they can sit correctly and appropriately in a booster with a proper belt fit.

Harness or booster - when to switch