When did you switch your child to a booster car seat?

My daughter will be 3 in September but is HUGE for her age.  She is just shy of 40 pounds and is probably not about 39" tall.  I know they recommend putting your child in a booster at 4, but my daughter is soo uncomfortable in her toddler seat and getting her in it is another story LOL!  Would you put her in a booster, if so what type, or keep her in the toddler seat?

Return to Poll

66%

 (4) 

Change to a Booster

33%

 (2) 

Keep her in the toddler seat

6 Members voted

[Whitneylauren]

Check the weight and height limits on the booster.... I think your daughter fits the specifications.

[April2]

They do say it's safer for them to be in a child seat with the 4 point harness, in case of accident. They make car seats up to 7 years old and 100 pounds, I believe. I still have my just turned 5 year old in a 4 point carseat and he's 45 pounds. I do have a booster seat as a second seat to have (for my husband or adult son to take him in their car) but I still feel safer with him in the car seat.

[amy0013]

We were in the same position as you...my daughter was too cramped in her car seat but not ready for a booster with ONLY a seat belt yet (40 pounds is what they say...and my daughter is 34 pounds).  Anyway I purchased a high back booster that still has a harness and the capabilities for a seatbelt.  She is much more comfortable in it (because it's made to be a 'big girl seat' and go up to 100 pounds).  Plus when she IS ready to transition, it will convert to a seat belt only booster.  Hope that helps!

[mum2beagain]

I had the same issues with my older child, although he is 5 he had special needs and no way was I ready to have him just in a seat belt. We bought the radian car seat; he can ride in that in the 5 pt harness up to 65lbs and 51 inches. I loved it so much I ended up buying another 3 of them! So now both my boys have radians in both cars (as we swap cars around alot it was worth the investment). I have had several car seats and sold a whole load more in the childrens store I work in and the radian is by far my favorite. It also folds and is certified for air travel.

[mum2beagain]

Also be aware that some seats are suitable to 100lbs BUT the 5 pt harness is only suitable to 40 lbs, after 40lbs the child MUST use the seat belt. If you want her in the 5pt harness after she reaches 40lbs be sure to check the weight limit for the harness; there really are only a handful of seats on the market where the harness is rated past 40lbs. Where I live only the sunshine kids radian and britax marathon (both have 5 pt harnesses rated to 65lbs) are available to buy.