Booster seat 101

With the laws on booster seats changing today, many parents share the same questions and concerns about how best to comply with the law.

The new law states that every child must ride in a federally approved “child passenger safety seat system” until they are 8 years old or taller than 4 feet 9 inches. This includes traditional car seats with harnesses AND booster seats-both the backless and the high back versions. Here are some common questions and answers regarding booster seats:

Q: What is a booster seat?
A: A booster seat is a firm cushion of foam or plastic that raises the child higher than in the car to improve position and angle of the shoulder belt. There are backless, high back, and removable-back booster seats. Most boosters include a shoulder belt guide or comfort clip that can be used if needed to pull the shoulder belt slightly downward so it crosses the center of the chest and shoulder. Basically the booster seat boosts a child up so they can safely use the seat belt that is intended for an adult body.

Q: Why is it important for my child to ride in a booster seat?
A: Vehicle seat belts are designed for the adult body. Children over four years old have a higher rate of injury than younger children because many of them find using a regular seat belt uncomfortable because it does not fit their child-size body. So they place the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back, and they slouch down or slide forward to the edge of the vehicle seat. According to SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., “Young children who are placed in vehicle belts rather than booster seats are 59% more likely to suffer devastating injuries, including severe damage to the brain, liver, spleen, and spinal cord.”

Q: How do I choose the best booster seat for my child?
A: According to SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., the ideal booster sat has a removable back with an adjustable headrest. Recent research suggests that boosters with a back are safer than those without a back-especially in a side impact crash. Look for a booster seat that has high-density, energy-absorbing foam in the head area. The child’s head should be supported by the vehicle seatback, the booster seat, or the headrest on the vehicle.

Q: Is a backless booster safe to use?
Backless boosters are lightweight, inexpensive, and small and are a great choice for carpooling, play dates, and public distribution programs. A backless booster should not be used until a child is able to sit upright and stay in this position throughout the whole car trip. Also, the child’s head must be supported by the vehicle seatback or the vehicle headrest.

Q: Can I use a booster seat with a lap belt?
A: NO! A booster seat must be used with a shoulder belt. If your car does not have shoulder belts in the back seat, a booster seat cannot be used. Go to http://www.carseat.org/ for information about safety seats for older children that can be installed with a lap belt. Many cars made before 1990 have only lap belts in the back seat and some newer cars may not have shoulder belts in the center position.

Q: What is the penalty for not obeying this new laws?
A: This law takes effect Sept. 1. Law enforcement officers may only enforce the new changes in the law with written or verbal warnings until June 1, 2010. Beginning on June 1, 2010 officers may arrest or issue a citation/notice to appear to a person committing an offense. A fine of not more than $25 can be assessed for a first time offense and no more than $250 for the second or subsequent offenses.

Q: Where can I get help for installing my booster seat?
Texas Health teaches parents how to install car seats and booster seats. Call 1-877-THR-WELL for your free appointment. I am happy to answer any questions and you can reach me in my office at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB at 817-848-4135.

Also, you can call Safe Kids Tarrant County at 682-885-2634.

Julie Smith, RN, MS
Perinatal Educator
Child Passenger Safety Technician
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford