How to Install a Booster Seat in a Car

Booster seats are 60 percent safer than seat belts alone, according to Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS). Children should use booster seats until they are over 80 pounds, taller than four feet nine inches, and eight years old. When installing any booster seat be sure to consult the seat manufacturer instructions and that your child falls within the height and weight guidelines.

Instructions

  1. Installation

    • 1
      Make sure your seat belts are working properly before installing a booster seat.

      Choose a location for the booster seat on one of your rear seats that has a lap and shoulder seat belt. Pull the seat belt forward and buckle it to check for proper operation. Unbuckle the seat belt before installing the booster seat.

    • 2

      Place the booster seat on the rear seat facing forward. Center the seat so that the seat belt buckle is easily accessible. Push the back of the booster seat back until it has a snug fit against the car seat.

    • 3

      Locate the shoulder belt positioner near the head rest of the booster seat. Slide the seat belt into the shoulder belt positioner which keeps the seat belt from rubbing against the child's neck.

    • 4

      Help your child sit upright on the booster seat. Pull the seat belt so the shoulder belt lays flat across the child's chest and then buckle it, making sure the seat belt is correctly positioned under the booster seat arm rests.

    • 5

      Check the lap belt to make sure it fits securely across the child's upper thighs, not abdomen. (See Reference 2)

    Safety Check

    • 6

      Locate the label on your child's booster seat that reads, "This child restraint conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards" to ensure the booster seat has met safety regulations. (See Reference 1)

    • 7

      Fill out and mail back the booster seat registration card so that the manufacturer can notify you if the seat has safety issues or is recalled.

    • 8

      Conatct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to find a child passenger safety seat inspection location near you. Call 1-866-SEAT-CHECK or visit SeatCheck.org (See Resources) to find locations.

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