Common Questions
Isn't my school-age child is too big for a booster seat?
Most children who have outgrown their forward-facing safety seats and are under 9 years old do not safely fit a seat belt until they reach 4'9'' (145 cm) OR weight 80 lbs (36 kg).
Won't a seat belt alone protect my school-age child in a crash?
"Seat Belt Syndrome"is the term that doctors use to describe injuries to a child's neck, spine, and internal organs caused by seat belts that do not fit properly. Booster seats prevent these injuries because they allow the seat belt to fit over the bony, strong parts of a child's body.
If boosters are so important, why aren't they required by law in Alberta?
Changing laws takes a long time so current legislation does not always reflect new research. Health and transportation experts agree that booster seats are needed to keep all children safe in vehicles. Booster seat laws have already been passed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and several US states. It is only a matter of time before booster seat use is required by law in Alberta.
Why don't more parents use booster seats for their children?
In the past few years, more information has become increasingly available to parents about the importance of booster seats for school-age children. It is now clear that booster seats are just as important as car seats for infants and toddlers. As parents learn more about boosters, these seats will become more and more common. One day it will seem strange to see a school-age child not using a booster seat!
My 7-year old son complains and cries when he rides in his booster seat. This is stressful for me as a parent. What can I do?
Some children, particularly 6 to 9 year olds, may dislike being in a booster seat. As a parent, you realize that boosters are safest for your son, but he may not see it the same way!
Here are some tips for keeping your child content in a booster seat:
Move your child into a booster seat immediately after they outgrown their toddler seat.
Go shopping with your child for a booster seat in a style and colour you both like. Let your child try sitting in different seats to find the one most comfortable for them. Also, look for any special features (like a cup holder) that will appeal to your child.
Talk to your child about why booster seats are important. A booster seat keeps him safe in the car, just like a helmet keeps him safe on a bike.
Explain to your child that riding in a booster seat is more comfortable because the seat belt fits properly. Riding in a booster is also more fun because he can see out the windows!
Refer to booster seats as “big kid seats.” Boosters are only for big kids - babies or adults cannot use them!
Be creative with your child. Is the booster seat a captain's chair? A throne for a princess? Click here to listen to a short media clip with more creative ideas!.
Be consistent. Don’t drive away until your child is buckled in the booster seat, no matter how short the trip. Establish a rule that the car will only move when everyone is safely buckled in and then quietly wait until it is done. Also, make sure the booster seat is used no matter who is driving - grandparents, babysitters, carpool drivers, etc.
Set an example! Buckle your seat belt up for every trip. Point out to your child that you need to buckle up too.
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