Carseat Safety

Platinum Member Joined: Sep 11 2004 Posts: 19241

I need carseat advice, anyone with experience please:
what type of carseat/booster seat should I buy for my almost 3 yr old? the backless ones say for 30-100 lbs, and he's just a bit under that.
he is tall for his age though, so he might fit in one of those.
or should I just buy one with the back?
tia.

Posted: Sun, Mar 26 2006, 4:44 pm Post subject:

I have the Graco one which as far as I know, the back can be taken off when the child is too big..

Posted: Sun, Mar 26 2006, 5:07 pm Post subject: re: Carseat Safety

I am almost 100% positive that a child needs to be 40 lbs. AND 4 years to be in any kind of booster seat. Your almost 3 year old will be the safest in a regular, front facing 5 point harness car seat. When a child is 4 yr and 40 lb, the back can be taken off of the booster, but the safety of that depends on height and other things. Check with your pediatrician and your local PD should be able to help you with local law. Or you can find the info online. My husband is an EMT (as I'm sure many husbands are here) and both of my parents are nurses. They all have some pretty terrible stories of unnecessary injuries that little kids suffered because they were not properly restrained. PLEASE do not take any chances.

Platinum Member Joined: Oct 27 2005 Posts: 6748

I had to switch to a booster from car seat under the weight guidelines because I did research and learned that the height req overrides the weight. We got the CompassB500 and are extremely happy with it. A bit pricey compared to other boosters but has a more comfortable car seat like feel for a smaller child.

Platinum Member Joined: Sep 11 2004 Posts: 19241

thanx for the responses, I appreciate them.
momof3- I think ill look for one like that.
SMG- thats precisely why im stuck on this. I read the laws of NY state, researched a few kinds of booster seats, and some of them are for 30 lbs. while others say theyre for 4 yr olds. thank you for your concern, I wouldnt do anything dumb to risk the safety of my kids, obviously.
red sea- thanx for pointing out the detail about the childs height.

I think im looking for a convertible carseat/booster seat.

Gold Member Joined: Jan 28 2006 Posts: 1341

When can a kid sit in a carseat by himself?

Posted: Mon, Mar 27 2006, 9:23 am Post subject: re: Carseat Safety

In my state a child can sit in a regular car seat without a booster when they are 8 yrs old and the height of 4'9". Good luck finding the right seat!

Executive Member Joined: Aug 27 2004 Posts: 265

does anyone know @ what point can a toddler sit in a reg front facing car seat but with a seatbelt & not with the harness??
does 30 lbs sound right??
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Gold Member Joined: Jan 18 2005 Posts: 1546

I am wonderingh te same tihng as bell do u know if theres a difference with age
my daughter is 2 yrs and 36 lbs so can she b in a huighbak booster with just a seatbelt

Platinum Member Joined: Sep 11 2004 Posts: 19241

heres what I found:
http://www.inventiveparent.com/state-laws.htm

click on your state for its laws.