Booster Seat Buddy

Information Source

http://www.iihs.org

Unlike child restraints with built-in harnesses, a booster seat relies on a vehicle safety belt to buckle the child in. Its purpose is to make the adult belt fit the child better. Booster seats are for kids who have outgrown their forward-facing restraints.

Proper fit is key

Our ratings identify boosters most likely to provide good lap and shoulder belt fit. Safety belts are designed with adults in mind, not kids, but when a booster seat is doing its job, the vehicle belt will fit a child correctly.  That means the lap belt willl lie flat across a child's upper thighs, not across the soft abdomen, and the shoulder belt will cross snugly over the middle of a child's shoulder.

The Institute puts the booster seats it tests into 4 categories:

• BEST BETSare seats that provide good fit for typical 4 to 8 year-olds in almost any car, minivan, or SUV.
• GOOD BETSprovide acceptable fit in most cars, minivans, or SUVs.
• Not recommendeddon’t provide good fit and should be avoided.
• Check fit applies to booster seats the Institute has tested that have varied results depending on child size and vehicle model.

Lap belt fit — The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs, not higher up on the abdomen.

Good Lap Belt Fit
Outline = Arm rest removed to show belt position



Poor Lap Belt Fit
Outline = Arm rest removed to show belt position



  



Checking Seat Belt Fit

Both the lap and shoulder belts must fit your child correctly.



Shoulder belt fit — The shoulder belt should fit across the middle of the child's shoulder. If it falls off the shoulder or rests on your child's neck, it won't work as well. An improper fit could encourage your child to move the belt to a dangerous position, such as behind the back or under the arm.



Good Shoulder Belt Fit

Remember to use the belt clip to properly position the shoulder strap, if required!

Poor Shoulder Belt Fit - Too Low

Poor Shoulder Belt Fit - Too High