The Best Location for a Child Booster Seat

A booster seat helps keep your kiddo safe while he̵7;s in your vehicle by raising him high enough so the shoulder and lap seat belt fit properly across his body. However, improper seat belt placement or booster seat location may actually result in injury during a collision. To provide the best protection for your little one, you must learn how to properly install, position and secure your child̵7;s booster seat in your vehicle.

  1. Front or Back Seat?

    • The best location for a car seat and booster seat is in the back seat of your vehicle. The back seat is safer, as more injuries occur to front seat occupants during a front collision. Also, front airbags that deploy in a collision can injure or even kill young children if they are seated in the front seat, according to child development experts at the Kids Health website.

    Side or Middle Seat?

    • The safest location for a booster seat would be in the middle seat, but this position should only be used if the middle seat has a lap and shoulder seat belt. If there is only a lap belt, position the booster seat in one of the side seats that does have both. For the booster seat to work properly, lap and shoulder seat belts must be used. The shoulder belt provides upper body protection.

    Installation Tips

    • The booster seat should be placed in the car and your child should sit on it. You need to pull the seat belt across his body and buckle it. Adjust the seatbelt so it is snug across his upper thighs and the shoulder belt rests across his chest. Your child must use a booster seat until he at least 4 feet 9 inches and weighs at least 80 pounds. Thoroughly read your vehicle̵7;s owner manual and the car seat instruction manual to familiarize yourself with all of the safety and installation instructions. The car̵7;s manual can give recommendations on which rear car seat position is best for your type of vehicle. The car seat instructions provide useful tips on proper installation and safety features.

    Getting Assistance

    • If you want to be sure that your child̵7;s booster seat is properly installed and positioned in your car, you can get some assistance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website offers a child car seat inspection station locator to help connect you with location near you. Your local fire department and some hospitals may offer this service free of charge.

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