Another Carseat Question

Updated on April 22, 2008
D.K. asks from Broomfield, CO
7 answers

Okay, I just posted a reply to the woman about infant seats, however my dilema is when to move my almost 7 year old into a booster seat? She is tiny, she weighs like 42lbs maybe 42 or 43 inches tall. She still fits into the seat we got after her infant carrier but it is almost 6 years old and worn out. I like the five point harness, it is at the end though on her now and no more slack to loosen. Is it safe now to put her in a high back booster that uses the seat belt? I have to take my van to the fire dept however as they latched her carseat in and I cannot get it out! :)

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M.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

For sure go to a booster. I'm surprised she made it that long in a car seat. Most kids are 4 or 5 when they go to boosters.

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J.S.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I would suggest advancing her to a booster. Reason being is if there is no more room in the harness it is not safe for her to ride in. She is old enough to go to a booster. I saw some nice boosters at target and wal-mart that are less expensive. If the seat belt seems to be uncomfortable for her you could sew a cover or sheep skin to help with that.

Good Luck!

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M.S.

answers from Denver on

I just had correspondence w/ CO highway patrol on this issue. my 4 1/2 year old is 43 inches tall but only 31 pounds and is at the limit of the straps. Their suggestion was to move her to a booster since to get something that goes taller is well over $200. The response that commented about moving is right on. the reason for the 5-point is that kids that are not mature will not stay centered and upright so the seat belt will work right. If she will stay centered and upright, then she may be moved to a booster.

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J.H.

answers from Billings on

From what I understand, car seats are only good for about 5 or 6 years anyway, because the plastic becomes brittle from all the heating/cooling throughout the seasons. So it is time for a new one for your daughter, regardless of her size. I am keeping my daughter in her 5 point harness until she is too big for her seat. It is so much safer than a booster! The problem with the booster is that if the kids move the belt out of place, it does nothing to help them in a crash. However, Britax does make some very nice boosters with head protection, if you choose to go that route. If she is willing to stay in a 5 point harness, then there are many of them that go up to 65 pounds. We have the Britax Marathon, and I am very happy with it. In fact, I just got an email from babyage.com that said they were having a huge car seat sale this week...you could check into that! I think they also offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount.

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A.F.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I say move her over. She's old enough to keep upright in the chair and keep the seatbelt in place. My oldest is in a Compass booster that I bought from Target.com. The reason I chose that one over other brands is because it has good support, the seatbelt threads through the side so it is just at shoulder level for the child and doesn't bother the neck as much. But the nicest part is that the back of the booster is adjustable for the height of the child instead of just the headrest. It provides better support, and is more comfortable for taller children who want the added safety of a back on the booster and the comfort of the adjustment, too. Anyway. Good luck with your decision.

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S.M.

answers from Denver on

D., in Colo the car seat law is 4yr & 40lbs. She can go into a booster seat if she is over 40lbs. I also had a tiny one and like the high back boosters. This way you can adjust the lap belt more to her need. I have one that the back detaches and become just the booster seat. My son said it is not very comfortable. You might take her and have her try it first. I bought a sheep skin and put under the seat cover. I also have just the booster seat in our other car. The seat belt cuts him off a the neck. I bought this pad, I don't know what it is called, I got it at Toy's R Us, it adjusts the seat belt so it comes down on his chest. Hope this helps.

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

I say switch her. Our son really like his Graco with the high back. It keeps the seat belt well positioned for him, and reclines so he can sleep on long trips. The head rests help with that, too. I think it was about $60 at Target, but it's been a while, and we've bought two other seats since for other kids, so I may be totally off on the price.

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