When to Transition from a Car Seat to a Booster Seat
Road safety is a key part of parenthood, and new parents are always quick to find the safest car seat they can find. Finding an infant car seat is relatively easy, but knowing when to switch from a car seat to a booster seat can be tricky. If your child is nearly ready to make the switch, make sure they meet the height and weight regulations for booster seats, how they improve safety, and when your child can sit in the backseat without any equipment.
What Is A Booster Seat?
A booster seat is a child seat designed to elevate the child to ensure the adult seat belt fits safely. Booster seats are designed to meet the needs of young children who are too big for a traditional car seat with a five-point safety harness, but not quite tall enough for an adult seat.
Booster seats improve child safety in a few ways and are an important part of traveling safely.
Booster seats ensure proper seat belt fit, keeping the straps below the child’s neck and across the lap, rather than across the belly.
Booster seats prevent injury from both crash impact and potential injury from an ill-fitting seat belt.
Are Booster Seats Required By Law in Michigan?
Booster seats are required by law in Michigan and most states. Michigan’s car seat laws state that children under eight must ride in a booster seat.
Read more: Car Safety Ratings, Explained
When to Transition a Car Seat to a Booster Seat
Your child is ready to switch out of an infant car seat when they reach the appropriate age or height for a booster seat. Children over five need to use a booster seat until they are 4’9” or eight years old.
When Can My Kid Stop Using a Booster Seat?
Once your child is 4’9” or eight years old, they can stop using a booster seat. If your child is willing to sit in the booster and it still fits safely, consider encouraging them to keep using it until they’re taller or their seat belt fits perfectly. Remember that Michigan state law prohibits any child under 13 from riding in the front seat.
For more details on choosing and installing booster seats, check out this helpful child passenger safety resource from the State of Michigan.
Car Maintenance Is About Safety, Too
Just like booster seats, a well-maintained vehicle is a great way to keep you and your family safe on the road. Garfield Auto Service Center offers friendly, professional repair services at fair prices. We take pride in combining five-star service and highly skilled technicians. Schedule your next oil change or repair with us today.