1. 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

2. 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

3. NHTSA’s Third Step – Booster Seats
Rear-facing CR
Forward-facing CR
Booster seat
Seat belt

4. 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

5. Why a Booster Seat? Video: Lap belt vs. Booster
Video: Lap & shoulder belt vs. Booster
Videos Courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Shield Booster Seats These seats are no longer made
Existing models have 40-pound upper weight limit with shield

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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?