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Your Big Kid Might Need a Booster Seat Longer Than You Think
Hey there, fellow parents! Have you ever stumbled upon something that completely shakes your understanding of what you thought was right? This morning, I watched a powerful video about booster seat use for older kids that did just that. If you have a child aged 4 to 12 (or even know one), you really need to check this out ASAP!
The video, created by a medical school in Virginia, showcases a nearly 10-year-old boy going for a ride with his mom. Initially, he looks safe, buckled up in the back seat. But then the unexpected happens — they get into a serious crash while driving slowly down a quiet street.
In the aftermath, both the mother and son are injured, but it’s the boy who suffers the most severe harm, losing consciousness and requiring immediate medical attention. The background chatter from EMTs reveals the gravity of his injuries, leaving his mother in despair, wondering if her son will be okay. As a mom of two boys, I felt every ounce of that anxiety; it could easily be any of us.
So, why was the boy more seriously hurt despite being buckled in? It turns out he still needed to be in a booster seat. Surprising, right? Many parents think that as long as their child is wearing an adult seatbelt, they’re safe. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Dr. Alex Martinez, a pediatrician featured in the video, explains that many kids this age still need a booster seat for optimal safety.
According to Car Seat Safety Now, kids should only transition out of booster seats when they reach a height of 4 feet 9 inches, usually between ages 8 and 12. But honestly, many 8- and 9-year-olds haven’t hit that mark yet!
Dr. Martinez warns about the serious consequences of skipping the booster seat. Children who are not properly restrained are at risk for life-threatening injuries, including damage to their internal organs and vital structures. It’s a stark reminder that safety is paramount, even at lower speeds. As Georjeane L. Blumling, a child safety expert, points out, a child unrestrained in a vehicle can experience forces comparable to falling from a third-story window.
After seeing this eye-opening video, I realized that I might have moved my almost 11-year-old out of his booster seat too soon. In New York, the law requires kids to use boosters until they’re 8, so I thought I was being proactive. But now, I’m measuring him to ensure he meets the requirements for adult seatbelts.
If you’re unsure about your child’s booster seat status, I highly recommend visiting Car Seat Safety Now for their “Safety Belt Fit Test.” Here are a few key points to consider:
- When sitting properly, your child’s feet should touch the floor, and the lap belt must fit snugly across their hips.
- The shoulder strap should sit comfortably on their shoulder, not on their neck.
- Their knees should bend at the edge of the seat, with their feet flat on the ground.
- Most importantly, your child must be able to stay in this position for the entire trip.
Also, remember that all kids should remain in the back seat until they’re at least 13 years old. Always check with your booster seat manufacturer for the correct usage guidelines.
I know that was a lot to take in (and a bit scary too!). But the most crucial takeaway is that safety should always come first, no matter how inconvenient or “uncool” it may seem. Your big kids might grumble about being in a booster, but their safety is what truly matters. So, watch that video, spread the word, and if your kiddo still needs a booster, don’t hesitate to pull it out of the garage and back into the car!
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In summary, be sure to double-check if your big kid still needs that booster seat. Safety is non-negotiable!