As a parent of a 5-year-old, I find myself still using a substantial car seat. Yes, the kind that feels like it weighs a ton and takes twice as long to install. We transitioned him from his infant seat to this model when he turned 2. It’s equipped with straps that require constant adjustment, buckles that need to be precisely clicked into place, and that pesky chest clip that must always be in the correct position.
I recognize that many children his age have moved on to booster seats, and some aren’t in car seats at all. It’s certainly a hassle to lug around this car seat during travel or when he needs to ride in someone else’s car. Plus, I can’t help but notice the judgmental looks from his grandparents, who remind me that we managed just fine without car seats at that age.
Yet, my 5-year-old remains securely in a 5-point-harness car seat — and it’s unlikely that he’ll switch to a booster for several more years. Why should I compromise on safety when it comes to my child’s well-being?
Car seat experts are in agreement with my decision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children ride in a harnessed, forward-facing car seat as long as possible, ideally until at least the age of 4. If your child outgrows their seat before that age, they suggest considering a harnessed seat designed for higher weights and heights.
The key phrase here is “as long as possible,” as many car seat manufacturers design 5-point-harness seats that can accommodate children up to 7 or 8 years old. For instance, my son uses the Diono Radian R100, which can safely fit kids up to 65 pounds. Other reputable brands like Britax, Recaro, and Graco also offer 5-point harness seats for children exceeding 40 pounds.
AAA’s Safe Seats 4 Kids emphasizes the importance of not rushing to transition your child into a booster seat before they are ready. They caution that each time you upgrade your child to the next seat, you decrease their level of protection. The longer you can keep your child in each stage, the better.
One of the most informative resources regarding car seat safety is The Car Seat Lady, who offers three criteria to determine if your child is ready to move to a booster. Your child should be:
- at least 4–5 years old,
- a minimum of 40 pounds, and
- able to sit correctly in their booster for the entire trip.
On the second point, while some 4- and 5-year-olds easily surpass the 40-pound mark, many do not (including my petite child). As for the third point, can anyone show me a 4-, 5-, or even 6- or 7-year-old who can sit still and properly for an entire drive? Most children exhibit behaviors that disqualify them from being suitable booster candidates, such as slouching, reaching for toys, or trying to unbuckle themselves. This describes nearly every child I know under 8.
As noted by SafeSeat.org, “Although this child meets all the minimum requirements, he is not ready to be out of his harness. Booster riders must be mature enough to sit properly 100% of the time.”
Realistically, my child may remain in his heavy car seat for a long time. And even after he transitions to a booster, the requirements for leaving that stage are more stringent than many parents realize. Most children will remain in boosters until they are between 10 and 12 years old.
You can call me overprotective if you like, but considering car accidents are a leading cause of childhood fatalities, I don’t see any valid reason to take risks with car seat safety. The safety of our children should always take precedence over convenience or external opinions.
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In summary, keeping your child in a proper car seat for as long as possible is crucial for their safety. Don’t rush the transition to a booster seat; prioritize their well-being above all else.