Children’s health: Is your child ready for a regular seat belt?

Rear facing. Forward facing. Five-point harness. Latch install. Booster.

When it comes to child passenger safety, there are so many things to understand in order to keep your child safe. Many parents aren’t sure when their child is ready to graduate from a booster seat to a regular seat belt.

Booster seats, which are recommended when a child outgrows a forward-facing car seat, reduce the risk of serious injury in children ages 4-8 compared to seat belt use. It is a tool to help position a child properly in a vehicle so the seat belt fits them as it should.

When is the right time to make the transition?

Some children are ready around age 8, but many don’t achieve proper seat belt fit until closer to ages 10-12, or older. It depends on the weight and height limitations of the booster seat.

As an injury prevention and community outreach coordinator at Advocate Children’s Hospital, I want you to know there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when a child is transitioning out of a booster seat and beginning to use a regular seat belt. They should be able to pass the seat belt fit test in every vehicle, which means:

• The shoulder belt is centered on the shoulder and the chest rather than the neck or falling off the shoulder, and the lap belt fits across the top of the thighs.

• The child’s back should be flat against the back of the seat of the car, and their knees should bend at the end of the seat, with feet resting on the floor.

• The child needs to be able to remain properly seated and restrained in the car seat for the duration of the drive. I recommend utilizing the child lock feature for doors and windows and having a conversation with your child prior to moving them to a regular seat. Explain the importance of staying in the seat belt harness. If they do not obey and maneuver out of the seat belt in any way while you are driving, pull over and fix the seat belt and again remind them they need to keep the seat belt in place.

Once your child is able to begin riding with a regular seat belt, they should remain in the backseat, as it is the safest place for them in a vehicle. Laws vary by state, so make yourself aware of your respective laws and protect your child by keeping them in the back seat.

If your child is still in a car seat or booster seat, Advocate Children’s Hospital offers a car seat inspection program that gives families the opportunity to check their setup and leave with confidence.

Parents and caregivers can ask questions, get reassurance, and know they’re doing everything they can to protect their child. Car seats save lives, but only when they are used properly. You can make an appointment for a car seat inspection by calling (708) 684-7019.

• Myisha Franklin is a coordinator of injury prevention and community outreach at Advocate Children’s Hospital.