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Question 1:
 
My son is 6 years old and weighs between 68 and 71 lbs. The booster seat we had bought for him from Sears had stated that when he was over 60 lbs. or approximately 8 years old that he would be done with it. Well, he's been out of it for almost an entire year now. Should he be in a different one?

 
Thank you for your question from the e-Parenting Network!
 

 

According to Transport Canada Children should use the vehicle rear seat (ideally with a shoulder belt) from the time your they weigh over 60 pounds, from about age eight.

Here are several tips to remember when using a seatbelt:

  • The key to using a seat belt safely is positioning. The lap belt should be worn snug and low over the hips, never across the stomach.

  • The shoulder belt should be worn over the shoulder and across the chest. Never place the shoulder belt under your child's arm or behind their back. This can lead to serious injury or death.

  • Your child should sit fully upright, with back against the vehicle seat. To prevent slouching, the legs should be long enough to bend over the front of the vehicle seat. This will prevent the lap belt from riding up over the abdomen.

  • To fit most shoulder belts, your child should have a sitting height of at least 25 inches
    (63 cm).

  • All children under 12 years are safest buckled up in the back seat.

  • Parents, set a good example! Make sure you and all adults in the vehicle are also properly belted.

Sources Searched:
 


Transport Canada's Car Time 1-2-3-4
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafe/cartenv/index-e.html

Safe Travel in a Seat Belt (Fact Sheet)
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/childsafe/tp13511/Stage-4.pdf

Transport Canada
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp2436/rs200006/en/index.htm

Safe Kids Canada Child Passenger Safety
www.safekidscanada.ca/ENGLISH/SKW_RoadSafety/SKW_Carseat.html

Transport Canada Information
1-800-333-0371

Please contact these organizations for more information.

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