How to buy and install a booster seat
Content
Boosters are an important safety feature for young children. When your child has outgrown their child restraint system but is not yet big enough to securely fasten the adult size lap and shoulder belts, it is time for them to use the booster seat.
The booster increases the height of the child so that he sits in the same place as a taller person. This makes them much safer and more reliable in the event of an accident and can prevent serious injury and death. If your child's size requires an extra seat, always make sure they are securely buckled into it while driving. Fortunately, finding, buying and installing boosters is very easy.
- AttentionA: You can tell if your child needs a booster seat if they are at least 4 years old, weigh 40 pounds or more, and their shoulders are higher than the child restraint they were previously using. If you are not sure about the laws in your state, you can visit iihs.org to view a map of laws and regulations regarding child restraints and booster seats.
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Child Car Seat for You and Your Baby
Step 1: Choose a Booster Style. There are many different styles of booster chairs. The most common are high-backed and backless boosters.
High-back booster seats have a backrest resting on the back of the rear seat, while backless booster seats simply provide a higher seat for the child and the original seatback provides back support.
Your child's height and posture, as well as back seat space, can determine which style is best for you.
Some accessory seats are made to fit most brands, models and sizes of children. Other boosters are more specific to the size of the child and the type of vehicle.
- Functions: There is a third type of child booster seat called a combination child seat and booster seat. This is a child restraint system that can be converted into a booster seat when the child is big enough.
Step 2: Make sure the booster is compatible with your vehicle.. Before ordering a child seat, make sure it fits your vehicle.
The booster must always be positioned level and level in the rear seat without protruding beyond the edge of the seat. You should always be able to wrap one of the rear seat belts around it.
FunctionsA: You can visit the Max-Cosi.com website to enter the make, model and year of your vehicle to see which optional seats are recommended for your vehicle.
Attention: Some accessory seats do not come with additional compatibility information. In these cases, you should contact the seller to see if the booster is suitable for your vehicle. You can also order a booster and be prepared to return it if it doesn't fit your car.
Step 3: Find a booster that suits your child. If your child is uncomfortable in a child car seat, do not use it.
After you buy a car seat, put your child in it and ask if he or she is comfortable.
A warningA: If the booster is not comfortable for the child, they may experience back or neck pain and may be more prone to injury in the event of an accident.
FunctionsA: Once you find an airbag suitable for you and your child, you must register it. Registering the chair ensures that it is covered by the warranty should something go wrong with the booster.
Part 2 of 2: Installing the booster in the car
Step 1: Choose a Position for the Booster. The rear center seat is statistically shown to be the safest place for a booster. However, if it does not fit there, one of the rear outboard seats can be used instead.
Step 2: Secure the booster seat with the clips provided.. Some booster seats come with clips, rails or straps to help attach the booster to the rear seat cushion or backrest.
Other child seats do not have clips or straps and simply need to be placed on the seat and pressed firmly against the back of the seat before the shoulder and lap belts are fastened.
- A warning: Always follow the booster manufacturer's instructions first. If your owner's manual indicates that additional steps are required to install the booster seat, follow those steps.
Step 3: Buckle up your child. Once the seat is installed and secured, place your child in it. Make sure they are comfortable and then run the seat belt across their body to fasten it.
Pull lightly on the seat belt to make sure it is properly fastened and tensioned.
Step 4: Check in with your child often. To make sure the booster seat stays in place, periodically ask your child if they are comfortable and check the strap frequently to make sure it is still secure and properly tightened.
Once the booster has been successfully installed, your child will be able to safely continue to ride in your vehicle. Every time your child is with you, make sure they are securely in the car seat (until they grow out of it). When your child is not with you, attach the booster to the car with the seat belt or place it in the trunk. This way it won't recklessly fly around the car in case of an accident.
If at any stage of the booster installation process you feel uncomfortable, you can seek help from a certified mechanic, for example, from AvtoTachki, who will come out and do this job for you.
