Your Big Kid Might Need a Booster Seat Longer Than You Think

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Have you ever stumbled upon something that genuinely rattles you, yet leaves you enlightened? Recently, I came across an eye-opening video discussing booster seat safety for older children, and it left me in shock. If you’re a parent or know someone with a child aged 4 to 12, I urge you to check out this video ASAP.

The impactful and unsettling clip comes from Eastern Virginia Medical School and was shared on their Facebook page. It portrays a nearly 10-year-old boy taking a car ride with his mother. At first glance, he seems safe, buckled in the back seat just as he should be. However, everything changes when the vehicle, cruising down a quiet road, unexpectedly gets into a serious accident.

In the aftermath, both the mother and son appear injured, but the boy sustains far more severe damage. As he’s rushed to the hospital, you hear alarming phrases like “internal organ damage” and “neck injuries” from the EMTs tending to him. The scene is heartbreaking, especially when you see his mother, distraught and fearful for her child’s life.

As a mother of two myself, I found myself tearing up during this video, realizing I could easily be in that mother’s shoes, worrying if my happy son, who was just smiling in the backseat, would make it through.

So, why was the boy the only one with serious injuries, despite both being buckled in? The truth is, even if your child seems big enough, they may still need to be in a booster seat. Surprisingly, many parents are unaware of this crucial detail.

Dr. Samuel Jacobs, a pediatrician featured in the video, explains that children should typically transition out of a booster seat only when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall, which usually occurs between ages 8 and 12. However, many children aged 8 and 9 may not yet meet this height requirement. Dr. Jacobs elaborates on the dire consequences of not using a booster for older kids, stating, “We often see children with severe internal injuries due to improper restraint.”

It’s critical to note that these tragic accidents don’t solely occur on busy highways. Dr. Lisa Tran, a child safety expert, emphasizes that an unrestrained child, even in a minor accident at 30 miles per hour, experiences the same force as falling from a third-story window. Children simply don’t fit properly in an adult seat belt until they’re at least 4-foot-9.

Recently, I moved my almost 11-year-old out of his booster seat, thinking I was being compliant with New York’s law, which mandates booster use until age 8. But after watching this video, I’m measuring him again to ensure he truly fits the criteria.

For parents seeking more guidance, the Eastern Virginia Medical School recommends visiting Car Seat Safety Now, where you can find a helpful “Safety Belt Fit Test” to determine if your big kid still requires a booster seat. Here are some essential points to consider:

1. Your child’s feet should touch the floor when sitting all the way back in the seat, and the lap belt must fit low across their hips.
2. The shoulder strap should lie across the chest and shoulder, not the neck.
3. Knees should be bent at the edge of the seat, with feet flat on the ground.
4. Most importantly, your child must remain in this position throughout the trip—no slouching or adjusting the seatbelt improperly.

Keep in mind that all children should sit in the back seat until they’re at least 13 years old. Always check your booster seat manufacturer’s guidelines for proper usage.

I know this is a lot to take in, and it can be daunting to think about the potential risks associated with not using a booster seat correctly. But remember, your child’s safety is paramount. It may seem inconvenient or even embarrassing to keep your big kid in a booster seat, especially if they complain, but that shouldn’t deter you. What matters most is ensuring their well-being. So, watch the video, share it with other parents, and double-check whether your big kid still needs a booster.

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In summary, parents must stay informed about booster seat safety, as many children require these seats longer than we often realize. Ensuring that your child is safely restrained can make a life-saving difference in the event of an accident.