These added age or height limitations help but three is still too young for opting out of the added protection of a harnessed seat.
A child this age is usually not mature enough for the freedom of movement a booster seat allows and can pose a distraction to the driver. We also found two seats that indicate they can be used by a child starting at age one.
Let's be clear, a booster is not the seat for any one-year-old. Six seats had the more reasonable minimum weight limit of 40 pounds. This makes sense because the growth of children between 30 and 40 pounds occurs at a slower rate than when they are infants. An average pound child is typically closer to age five, a much safer age to consider making a transition to booster use. And many booster seats that can be used in both a highback and backless configuration have a higher minimum weight limit of 40 pounds when used in the backless mode.
But for the best belt fit, we still prefer a highback booster. Even though many children may balk at staying in a harnessed car seat, our safety experts recommend that they remain harnessed as long as possible.
A five-point-harness is far more secure than a car seat belt meant for an adult. Further, the Subcommittee calls into question the validity of claiming that seats are "side-impact tested;" the Subcommittee asserts that the testing protocols do no provide that data to support that claim.
Investigation and further recommendations are ongoing. In the meantime here is what you need to know to keep your child safe : Keep your child in a five-point harness car seat for as long as possible. This might mean paying more attention to the upper-limits of a car seat rather than the lower-limits.
Just because your child could graduate to the next level does not mean that it's safe to do so yet. Mott Children's Hospital. Car seat safety. Cincinnati Children's Buckle Up for Life. Is your child ready for a booster seat? Choosing the best car seat. Consumer Reports. Updated May 1, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily.
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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Booster Readiness. Waiting to Switch. Car Seat Fit. What Is Booster Seat Age? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns? If you have one of these seats, you do not need to buy a new car seat until your child is ready for a booster seat. A forward-facing-only car seat is used in only one direction and has a 5-point harness and top tether.
A combination seat is forward-facing with a 5-point harness and top tether, and can change into a booster seat when you remove the harness. A 3-in-1 car seat can be used in a rear-facing position, a forward-facing position and as a booster seat. Types of Booster Seats A booster seat provides a step between a car seat with a harness and a seat belt alone.
There are two types of booster seats. A high back booster is best if your vehicle has a low seat back and no head rest. Like adults, children need support behind their heads. A high-back booster may also be good for younger children who fall asleep in the car or who like the extra comfort and a place to lean their heads. A backless booster may be more convenient if you carpool or travel.
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