Michael Glines, MD, board-certified pediatrician, Jefferson Pediatrics, verifies that Michaela’s seatbelt is securely fastened while her dad looks on.
Ask the Doc
When does my child grow out of a booster seat?
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Answer:
Here’s the test: If your child is tall enough to sit fully against the back of the vehicle seat with legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down (not out), your child can safely use a seat belt without a booster seat. A booster should be used for children ages 4–7 years who weigh at least 40 lbs., until the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall or weighs 80 pounds or more.
Does your child complain? Think safety first! Say your car won’t move until everyone is buckled correctly. Let the child pick out a “big kid” seat and point out it’s easier to look out the window from a booster seat. Don’t stop using a booster early. Statistics show young children, such as Michaela, 5, from Cedar Hill, are 60 percent safer when using a booster than using seat belts alone.
For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.
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