How to Turn a Car Seat Into a Booster Seat

When a child outgrows a car seat, the next step is to move to a booster seat. For some parents, convertible car seats are the way to go. These start as a rear-facing infant seat, converting to a front-facing car seat and then to a booster seat as the child grows. Booster seats help to raise a child so a traditional seat belt can be used. Generally, children need to be at least 5 years to use a booster seat. However, parents need to check state law when it comes to the use of car and booster seats.

Things You'll Need

  • Car seat
  • Owner's manual

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the weight limitations on the car seat. Although laws differ by state, in general children need to be rear facing until they are 1 year old and weigh 20 lbs. Children then need to be in a forward facing seat with some type of harness up to 80 pounds before moving on to a booster seat.

    • 2

      Detach the straps connecting the car seat to the vehicle, and remove the car seat. If the back of the car seat detaches from the base, remove the back. Remove the five-point safety harness by sliding the straps through the slots in the back of the car seat. These will not be necessary when using the seat as a booster.

    • 3

      Decide where the booster seat will be used in the car. Place the seat in the desired location. Detach the latch connector on each side of the car seat and push the connector into the seat anchor. Press down on the seat to lock it in place. Have the child sit in the booster seat and adjust the headrest. Adjust the guides on the seat belt so that each is just above the child's shoulders.

    • 4

      Buckle the child into the booster seat using the seat belt. Adjust the headrest again to make sure the seat belt is properly placed on the child. Tighten the seat belt.

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