My daughter is 8 years old, weighs 47 pounds and is 50" tall, she sits in a backless booster. I am concerned about this because her head sticks up above the back of the seat about 3", do I need to get a different seat or what?
Thanks
Answers from the Automotive Experts
Here is great article on AskPatty.com that will give you resources to find out the best car seat for your daughter:
http://askpatty.typepad.com/ask_patty_/2007/09/6-quick-resourc.html
School-aged children-booster seats
Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. A child has outgrown his forward-facing seat when one of the following is true:
* He reaches the top weight or height allowed for his seat with a harness. (These limits are listed on the seat and are also included in the instruction booklet.)
* His shoulders are above the top harness slots.
belt-positioning booster seat
Belt-positioning booster seat
* His ears have reached the top of the seat.
Booster seats are designed to raise the child up so that the lap and shoulder seat belts fit properly. High-back and backless booster seats are available. They do not come with harness straps but are used with the lap and shoulder seat belts in your vehicle, the same way an adult rides. Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in lap and shoulder seat belts. Booster seats typically include a plastic clip or guide to help ensure the correct use of the vehicle lap and shoulder belts. See the instruction booklet that came with the booster seat for directions on how to use the guide or clip.
Installation tips for booster seats
Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt (never a lap-only belt). When using a booster seat, make sure
* The lap belt lies low and snug across your child's upper thighs.
* The shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child's chest and shoulder.