At what age should a toddler stop riding in a carseat?

Question

I have a 4 y/o old who weighs 35 pounds. He will be 5 y/o soon and I feel that he might be a little old for the "carseat". I can't see taking him to Kindergarden in a carseat

Answer 1

Try a booster seat. It lifts him higher so the seat belt fits across his neck properly.

Answer 2

35lbs is WAY TOO SMALL to be out of a car seat.

I don't care if you do think it looks silly taking him to kindergarten in a carseat. Would you rather think it looks silly or him break his neck in a crash, because he was sitting in the seat and the belt tightened around his neck? This is your kids life. It's not something you should take lightly.

Kids should be 4'9" before they're out of a booster seat.

Please visit this page and see what your carseat laws are. They are in place for a reason. http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm

My son will still be in a booster until he's at least 4'9" and his knees bend around the edge of the seat when sitting all the way against the back.

Take note that in some states, children are required to ride in carseats until age 8. If your state is one of the states that requires a booster until only 4 years, think about it, would the other states have higher requirements if they weren't nessicary?

Answer 3

First of all it depends if it is a true car seat or a booster car seat combo. You need to see if you can find the car seat directions. It should tell you the height and weight requirements for your car seat. (My 3 year old has already exceeded the car seat straps height requirements.) If you cannot find the directions, it should be on the website for the brand of your car seat. Your son might be ready for a booster seat. I know he meets the weight requirement, and probably the height requirement. There are many types with and without backs that just use a seat belt. The booster allows the seat belt to hit in the proper place on his chest and will keep him safe. They can last until your child weighs 100 lbs. This way it will give him freedom as well. My 3 year old can almost buckle herself into her booster seat. My 1st grader has been buckling herself in for years. All kids where I live (Indiana) go to school in booster or car seats. It is the law here until they are 8.

Answer 4

In my state, the law is kids under 8 have to be in a booster seat.
He's probably too old for a carseat - but there are many wonderful booster seats out there, and many under $50.

Remember, safety is always key. Booster seats are designed to assist in your child's safety during a vehicle crash. Also, he is still too young to be in the front seat of the car. He faces severe risk of being physically harmed or killed from the airbag. Not to mention - maybe you've seen the one on ER where the little girl became blind after a car crash, when her grandmother let her sit in the front seat.

Answer 5

It's not about age, it's about SIZE. When he is too big for a carseat he will need a booster seat. He should always be buckled in the BACK SEAT in whatever safety seat you are using. Right now this is primarily for his safety,, but when he becomes a teenager it will prevent him from driving or fooling around with your radio settings! (Just kidding!)

Look at the products where ever you shop. They will tell you height and weight recommendations.

You can also check with your department of motor vehicles on state recommendations.

Answer 6

Age is no longer a determinate in use of a car seat. It is not necessary that the child remain in a baby style car seat, but a booster seat is required until the child reaches 48" (4 foot) in height. The law in regards to this was passed last year and took effect on July 1, 2005.

I suggest looking at this: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/ for a more indepth explanation of laws and safety issues around using proper restraints for children riding in a car.

Answer 7

My 4 year old daughter and my 5 year old son sits in a booster seat, the booster seats without the backs. They only cost about $15.00.

You should check to see what the law of your state is for car seat use. Law in North Carolina is 80 pounds or 8 years old.

Answer 8

I have my 36 and 45 pound children in booster seats, they are 3 and 4. I feel that children should ride in boosters as long as possible, I make my 6 year old neice ride in one when in my car, but her mother doesn't, she doesnt even strap her children in with standard seat belts! Now isn't that an accident waiting to happen!

Answer 9

Not necessarily a cart seat, but he should be in a booster seat. THey should be reatrained until they are at least 80 lbs. They are too small for the car seat belts to be effective

Answer 10

age 5

Answer 11

Is he unbuckling the extremely automobile seatbelt that holds the carseat to the automobile? via fact if he's buckled tightly adequate in a 5-factor harness he should not be waiting to realize that buckle, except he has circulate-circulate gadget palms or something. If he extremely is buckled in tightly and remains waiting to realize, evaluate getting a different carseat this is larger so he won't be able to attain. there is no way my daughter can attain in her Graco seat.