Chapter 11: Children in Booster Seats

11-2 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Chapter Objectives•Identify purpose of booster seats•Examine types of booster seats•Review the dangers of using seat belts without boosters

•Review how to use booster seats•Describe best practice/tough choices related to booster seats

11-3 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

NHTSA’s Third Step – Booster Seats1. Rear-facing CR2. Forward-facing CR3.Booster seat4. Seat belt

11-4 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Why a Booster Seat?•Protects children too large for a CR with harness but too small for a simple seat belt.

•Increases crash protection from injuries

Incorrect belt fit because there is no booster seat

Correct belt fit with belt-positioning

booster

11-5 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Why a Booster Seat?

Video: Lap belt vs. Booster

Videos Courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Video: Lap & shoulder belt vs. Booster

11-6 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

High-Back Belt-Positioning Booster • Use only with a lap and

shoulder belt• Place lap belt low across hips

and shoulder belt across chest• Use shoulder belt positioners

per manufacturer’s instructions

• Place flat on vehicle seat• Make sure child’s knees bend

comfortably so child does not slouch

• Use to provide head, neck, and back support

Shoulder belt positioners

11-7 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Backless Belt-Positioning Booster• Use only with a lap and

shoulder belt in vehicle with head restraints

• Place lap belt low across hips and shoulder belt across chest

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions

• To hold child in seat, make sure seat belt fits flat on vehicle seat

• Check that child’s knees bend comfortably so the child does not slouch Shoulder belt

positioner supplied with some models

11-8 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

ALL Belt-Positioning Boosters•Belt-positioning booster seats should only be used with lap and shoulder belts

•Belt-positioning booster seats must NEVER be used with just a lap belt.

Courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Video

11-9 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Shield Booster Seats•These seats are no longer made

•Existing models have 40-pound upper weight limit with shield

11-10 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Frontal Air Bags and Booster Seats•Children under 13 should ride in a back seat •If a child in a booster seat must ride in the front seat:

•The child must be correctly restrained in a booster seat using the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt

•The vehicle seat must be moved back as far as possible from the dashboard

•An on/off air bag switch is recommended for frequent routine front seat use

11-11 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Proper Booster Seat Fit•Children should use a booster seat until vehicle seat belts fit correctly

•Most children fit properly in a seat belt when they reach 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches)

•Boosters should be secured when not being used

11-12 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Installing a Booster Seat

•Using a lap and shoulder belt▪Practice the proper use of a booster seat

•Teach a parent to use a booster seat▪Explain the proper placement of the lap

and shoulder belt▪Explain why the booster seat is not firmly

fixed to the vehicle

11-13 National CPS Certification Training - April 2007 (R1010)

Chapter Review•What is the proper placement for the lap and shoulder belt?

•Is there a weight requirement for a booster?•What would I say to a parent who won’t use a booster?