Using the Child Restraint
as a Booster Seat
Booster seats raise the child up
and help to position the vehicle
lap and shoulder belt correctly.
When the child is properly
restrained in a booster seat,
their risk of injury in all types
of crashes is reduced, as the
lap and shoulder belt provides
excellent restraint of both the
upper and lower torsos.
It is important for the child to
sit properly within the vehicle
seat belts. When the vehicle belt is buckled, the lap belt
should be low on the hips, just touching the thighs, and
the shoulder belt should lie across the middle of the
shoulder. If the child leans out or moves the belt behind
the back or places it under the arm, it will not provide
the intended restraint.
There are a number of things to consider when
deciding whether a child is ready to sit in a booster
seat, including: the weight and height ratings on their
current child seat, the child’s own weight and height,
their maturity, and the seating positions available in your
vehicle.
How is a booster seat used?
Using a booster seat is very similar to buckling yourself
into the vehicle:
• Read the instruction manuals for both the booster seat
and the vehicle before you start.
• Put the booster in the back
seat in a location with a lap
and shoulder belt.
Never use
a booster with only a lap
belt
, as this could cause serious
injuries.
• After the child is in the booster,
pull the lap and shoulder belt
across him/her and buckle it.
Booster
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When to Put Your Child in a Booster Seat
