The best way to decide if your child can safely fit into a booster seat with belt positioning or without a booster seat is to check the position of the seat belt. Is the seat belt in the middle of the chest and shoulder without cutting into the child`s neck? Can the child sit comfortably with his back against the seat and the legs at knee level bent on the edge of the seat? Is the lap belt deep and tight on your child`s thighs? If so, it is fine. Oklahoma Auto Seat Act was last revised/updated on 10/10/20; This year, changes can be made that require children to be properly secured in the back seat All states and territories require infant and child seats that meet certain criteria, but requirements vary depending on age, weight, and height. This is done in three stages: facing back; forward-facing (belted) seats; and booster seats. Each car seat must be installed with the lower anchorages or a seat belt to secure it in place, never both. If you decide to use a seat belt to install your car seat, pay close attention to how to “lock” your seat belt in accordance with the vehicle owner`s manual. For a forward-facing car seat, use a rope if available. Before installing your car seat, make sure you understand the function and position of the vehicle and the car seat parts used in the installation. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws that govern the use of child seats. Child occupant safety laws require the use of approved car seats, booster seats and appropriate child restraint systems when operating a motor vehicle. Once a child is able to use an adult seat belt, he or she falls under the general seat belt laws. Because laws vary from state to state, it`s important to understand the laws you live in.1 You know your child better.
If you can`t rely on your child to sit properly on the booster seat, you can`t rely on the car`s seat belt to hold them properly when it really matters. Keep your child facing backwards for as long as possible. This is the best way to keep it safe. Your child must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by your car seat manufacturer. Once your child has exceeded the size of the rear-facing car seat, they are ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and leash. Many laws require all children to get into the back seat whenever possible, and most states allow children over a certain age, height, or weight to use an adult seat belt. Even if your child is technically old enough to legally drive in a booster seat, they may not weigh enough to sit safely in a seat. Your child should weigh at least 40 pounds before using a belt positioning car seat.
Car seating standards and laws vary from all the places you venture. From non-existent to just car seats that allow the certification of this country even for tourists. However, very similar car seats also differ from place to place. For example, EU standards require that a child be raised and that the car seat (marked with a capital E in a circle) can be fully vacated in a single step. Where as US has an extra clip on the chest to hold the strap. Hold your child in a booster seat until they are old enough to fit properly in a seat belt. In order for a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must be properly placed on the thighs, not on the abdomen. The shoulder strap should be tightened on the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face.
Remember: your child should always drive in the back seat because he is safer there. Some 4-year-olds may be mature enough to sit properly in a booster seat throughout the car ride, with the seat belt properly positioned on the chest and shoulders, but many will be much older. Your child can only sit safely in a booster seat if they can drive without bending, leaning to the side or putting the shoulder strap under their arm or behind their back. The safest way for your child to drive in a vehicle is to stay in a five-point harness until they exceed the maximum size and weight requirements of their car seat. Many convertible car seats and booster harness car seats on the market can accommodate children up to 65 pounds. But if you – and they – are ready to upgrade to a belt-positioned booster seat, first make sure your child meets the following car seat requirements. The rope is located on the top back of convertible, station wagon and all-in-one car seats. It is adjustable and has a hook and strap connected to one of your vehicle`s Tether anchors. Most rear-facing car seats in the United States do not use rope for installation. However, the facilities vary from model to model, so you should carefully read the instructions for your particular car seat and your vehicle`s owner`s manual.
