my son is 8 and is still in a car seat when can he sit by himself?

Question

I've heard 60 lbs, but he's not there yet.

Answer 1

Please don't listen to the poster inquiring about his weight! My little sister just turned 9 and is barely 60lbs. She's just small. And, yes, she is still in a booster seat and probably will be for at least another year. When to stop using a booster seat does vary by state law, with most states now requiring booster seat use until at least 6 years old and/or 60lbs. I live in Kansas, which requires a booster seat to be used until the child is 80lbs or 8 years old. Safety is not always the same as the minimum required by law, however. My 9 year old sister is still using a booster b/c she's so small that she's safer in one. Seatbelts were made for adults at least 4'9" tall AND 80lbs. If the child doesn't reach 4'9" tall, or is significantly under 80lbs, they should still be in a booster seat. A great low cost bosoter seat is a Graco Turbobooster (also called safeseat3). NOT a backless one! A backless booster offer NO head protection or side impact protection, it only boosts them tall enough for the seatbelt, and isn't always enough to position the seatbelt correctly. The belt should go across their lap, not their abdomen.

Children are not ready to be in a regular lap/shoulder seatbelt until:

They are tall enough so that their legs bend at the knees at the edge of the seat; and
They are mature enough to remain seated with their backs flat against the back of the seat and not slouch; and
The lap belt sits high on the thighs or low on the hips (NOT on their tummy!); and
The shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest (NOT on their arms or neck!); and
Each passenger must have their own lap and shoulder belt! Never allow children to share a seatbelt

Answer 2

I'm glad I grew up when I did (in the 60's). The thought of being 8 years old and still in a car seat is depressing. I know it's the law, but it seems kind of funny. Nobody even used seat belts when I was little.

Answer 3

In Jersey it is 80 lbs. Get a booster seat. My daughter is 5 and she sits in a booster. She weighs 45 lbs

Answer 4

You want your child to be at least 4'9" tall and can pass the 5 step booster test http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm. It is awesome that you still have your child boostered! There are so many parents out there that refuse to put their child in boosters..period.

Seatbelts are made for a 170lb man. If the seatbelt cannot properly lay across his chest and across his hipbones, he cannot be in a regular seatbelt yet. It is okay for him to be in a booster. It is the SAFEST if he isn't at least 4'9".

Answer 5

on account that maximum strollers recline, he could desire to have been waiting to sit down down in a stroller on account that beginning. If he's sitting up properly unsupported he's positive interior the procuring cart. basically purchase considered one of those cushioned straps that pass around him to maintain him shelter interior the cart.

Answer 6

Depends on the state you live in. Go to http://www.elitecarseats.com/custserv/custserv.jsp?pageName=car_seat_laws to get an idea, although I'm not sure how updated it is. You can try to go to yahoo.com and search for (state) car seat laws.

Answer 7

He's 8 years old and he's still not 60 lbs.?!! Is he eating O.K.? As for when he can get out of his car seat, I heard that they have to be either 60 lbs. or 4ft. tall.

Answer 8

Depends on what state you live in. Do a search for " Division of Motor Vehicles" and see what the site says about that particular law.

Answer 9

It depends on where u live most states i believe is 9

Answer 10

I can't believe that he hasn't complained. They used to make a "booster" seat that you could use the regular seat harness with.

My son would have belly ached!