Chapter 11: Children in Booster Seats National Standardized CPS Certification Training April 2007 – R1010 Chapter 11: Children in Booster Seats Chapter 11: Children in Booster Seats
Chapter Objectives Identify purpose of booster seats Examine types of booster seats Review the dangers of using seat belts without boosters Review how to use booster seats Describe best practice/tough choices related to booster seats
NHTSA’s Third Step – Booster Seats Rear-facing CR Forward-facing CR Booster seat Seat belt
Why a Booster Seat? Protects children too large for a CR with harness but too small for a simple seat belt. Increases crash protection from injuries Incorrect belt fit because there is no booster seat Correct belt fit with belt-positioning booster
Why a Booster Seat? Video: Lap belt vs. Booster Video: Lap & shoulder belt vs. Booster Videos Courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
High-Back Belt-Positioning Booster Use only with a lap and shoulder belt Place lap belt low across hips and shoulder belt across chest Use shoulder belt positioners per manufacturer’s instructions Place flat on vehicle seat Make sure child’s knees bend comfortably so child does not slouch Use to provide head, neck, and back support Shoulder belt positioners
Backless Belt-Positioning Booster Use only with a lap and shoulder belt in vehicle with head restraints Place lap belt low across hips and shoulder belt across chest Follow manufacturer’s instructions To hold child in seat, make sure seat belt fits flat on vehicle seat Check that child’s knees bend comfortably so the child does not slouch Shoulder belt positioner supplied with some models
ALL Belt-Positioning Boosters Belt-positioning booster seats should only be used with lap and shoulder belts Belt-positioning booster seats must NEVER be used with just a lap belt. Video Courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Shield Booster Seats These seats are no longer made Existing models have 40-pound upper weight limit with shield
Frontal Air Bags and Booster Seats Children under 13 should ride in a back seat If a child in a booster seat must ride in the front seat: The child must be correctly restrained in a booster seat using the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt The vehicle seat must be moved back as far as possible from the dashboard An on/off air bag switch is recommended for frequent routine front seat use
Proper Booster Seat Fit Children should use a booster seat until vehicle seat belts fit correctly Most children fit properly in a seat belt when they reach 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches) Boosters should be secured when not being used
Installing a Booster Seat Using a lap and shoulder belt Practice the proper use of a booster seat Teach a parent to use a booster seat Explain the proper placement of the lap and shoulder belt Explain why the booster seat is not firmly fixed to the vehicle
Chapter Review What is the proper placement for the lap and shoulder belt? Is there a weight requirement for a booster? What would I say to a parent who won’t use a booster?