Is my child ready for the adult seatbelt?

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By: Taranjit | Last Updated: September 28, 2020

Making that transition from a booster seat to the adult seat in a car is not always set in stone with the exact age and time. So how do you know when you can make that transition and is your child ready to make the move?

What is the typical age for transitioning out of a booster seat?

Your child is getting older and you are trying to figure out whether they are ready to ditch the booster seat and upgrade to the adult seat. Most often, this transition happens between the ages of 8 and 12. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether your child is outgrowing the size limits of his/her booster seat, and whether they are big enough to properly fit in the adult seat.

How do you know if your child “fits” in an adult seat?

It is extremely important to check to see that your child fits properly in an adult seat before you ditch the booster. Here are some factors to consider:

You child must tall enough to be able to sit in the adult seat properly without slouching.

Your child’s knees must be able to naturally bend over the edge of the seat.

Your child’s must be able to keep their back against the seat.

Your child must be able to keep their feet flat on the floor.

If one or more of the factors are not met by your child, he/she is not ready for the adult seat yet. And remember, that each vehicle is different. They might be able to fit properly in one vehicle, and might need a booster for another. Use the booster seat whenever necessary because it has been found that children are at more risk when the seatbelt does not fit properly or is too loose.

When can my child ride in the front seat?

As many of you may know, the back of the car is the safest for children, especially those under the age of 13. Most of the crashes that occur happen in the front or near the front of the car, so children are the safest in the seat that is furthest back. The rule is usually if they are above the age of 13, they can ride in the front, but the age limit can vary depending on your location or state. So be sure to check with your local laws. And when your children are riding in the front, make sure they buckle up because 54% of the teenagers that were killed in crashes in the year 2017 were those between the age of 13-15 and they were not wearing a seatbelt. Keep your child safe and make sure they are wearing their seatbelt.

Tips for selecting the right seat

Look for the car seat that fits your child’s age and size, and then look into whether that seat will fit in your specific vehicle. Not every car is the same, so make sure you also check to see if the car seat will fit properly and securely in your car. A good place to look for recommendation and specifications for car seats that will fit is your owner’s manual or ask the manufacturer.

The best practice is to keep your child in the car seat or booster seat for as long as possible for maximum safety, or as long as the weight and height restrictions for the seat are met.

Birth to 3 years old – a rear-facing seat is recommended

1 to 7 years old – a forward facing seat is recommended

4 to 12 years old – a booster seat is recommended

8-13+ years old – can start to make the transition to the adult seat (if child meets guidelines)

Final Thoughts:

Remember teaching your child the importance of wearing a seat belt starts with you. Your child is going to learn from you and pick up on your habits. So be sure to practice safety when in your car (or any car), and keep in mind that seat belt safety is an ongoing conversation. Keep reinforcing it.