II. Background
- Booster Seats were first legally mandated in the U.S. after a California law passed in 2002
III. Epidemiology
- Of those age 4 to 7 years old, >25% are transitioned too early from booster or Car Seat to adult Seat Belt
- Only 28% of children 5 to 8 years old are properly restrained in Booster Seats
- Higher risk of Booster Seat misuse in rural areas and socioeconomically deprived areas
- Crease (2011) Pediatr Emerg Care 27(2): 102-5 [PubMed]
IV. Indications
- Child age 4-8 years old or <57 inches tall
- See Adult Safety Belt for guidelines
V. Types
- High-back Booster Seat (includes harness system)
- Used for child over 20-30 pounds (over age 1 year)
- Child 40 pounds or less: Harness used
- Child over 40 pounds
- High-back Booster Seat (without harness system)
- Used for child weight over 40 pounds
- Otherwise same as high-back Booster Seat above
- No-back or low-back shielded Booster Seat (avoid)
- Used for child over 40 pounds
- No head or neck protection in rear-end impact
VI. Recommended Booster Seat
- Century Breverra Premiere 4885 or 4880 ($60)
VII. Efficacy
- Booster Seats may reduce serious injury rate by 45% for ages 4 to 8 years old
VIII. Resources
- History of Car Seats (Michelle Pratt)