When is booster seat not required

At a minimum, your child should weigh at least 40 pounds before using a belt-positioning booster car seat. You can safely make the switch only if your child is at least 35 inches tall and can sit in the booster seat with their back against the vehicle seat and their knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat cushion.

Some 4-year-olds may be mature enough to properly sit in a booster seat for the entire car trip with the seat belt correctly positioned across the chest and shoulder, but many will be much older.

Your child can safely sit in a booster seat only if they can ride without slouching, leaning to the side, or tucking the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back. You know your child best. Just as there are requirements for when a child is ready to move into a booster seat, there are also rules for when a child is able to stop using a booster seat altogether.

And these rules may surprise you. Once again, the laws and requirements are different for each state, but typically, your child should remain in a booster until they reach the age of eight and a standing height of at least 4 feet 9 inches. The best way to decide if your child can safely ride in a belt-positioning booster seat or without a booster seat at all is to check the position of the seat belt.

Can the child sit comfortably with their back against the seat and their legs bent at the knee over the edge of the seat? Ready to make the switch? Learn about the pros and cons between the different types of booster seats so you can make the best decision for your child. Your child is safest in a booster seat until they reach the maximum weight or height limit of the booster seat as stated by the manufacturer.

A child is ready to ride in the vehicle without a booster seat when the vehicle seat belt fits properly. This is typically when a child is cm 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years of age. This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, or treatment. If you have questions, talk with your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.

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Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Main Content Car seat guidelines in Alberta. Additionally, because vehicle interiors vary greatly, your child may fit fine in one of your vehicles but not in another, because the seats and belts can work differently in each one.

Be prepared to keep a booster seat handy for the car where your child may still need a boost. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at More than a quarter of kids age 4 to 7 are transitioned too soon, according to a national survey. By Emily A.

Thomas, Ph. April 04, Sharing is Nice Yes, send me a copy of this email. Send We respect your privacy. Oops, we messed up. Try again later. When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. Learn more. Booster Graduation Checklist To know when the time is right for your child to leave a booster behind, sit him or her on a vehicle seat. Is the child's back flat against the vehicle seat?

Incorrect: Booster needed The child's back is not against the seatback. Booster Benefit With the help of the booster seat, the child's entire back is now firmly against the back of the booster.

Correct: No booster needed.