How long should a child ride in a booster seat? Experts recommend they do so from about four until they are 10 or 12 years old. To determine whether a child near the upper end of that range is ready for a seat belt without a booster, use the "5-Step Test" devised by SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., non-profit organization dedicated to child passenger safety.
- Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
- Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
- Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arms?
- Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
- Can the child remain seated this way for the entire ride?
If the answer to any of the five questions is No, the child must remain in a booster seat. Not only will the youngster feel more comfortable, he or she will gain the optimal protection offered by the shoulder and lap belts in the event of a crash.
