School-Age Children: Booster Seats & Seat Belts | Injury and Violence Prevention Program | UC Davis Health

• Combination seat – using a lap-shoulder belt and internal harness removed.
• High-back booster seat – must be used when a vehicle does not have a head restraint.
• Backless booster seat – suitable for use when a vehicle has a head restraint in place.

Safety Tips

• Children are ready to use a booster seat when they weigh 40 pounds or have outgrown their five-point harness. Some child safety seats have a harness weight limit beyond 40 pounds. It is preferable to continue using the five-point harness until your child reaches that weight limit or has outgrown the seat.
• Must be used with lap and shoulder belts.
• The shoulder belt fits snugly across the chest and rests on the shoulder.
• The lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs and below the hips.
• Secure the booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
• When a child is not in the booster seat, secure the booster with the seat belt to ensure the loose seat does not cause injury.
• Manufacturer’s weight and height limits vary. The minimum weight ranges from 40 to 50 pounds, and the maximum weight ranges from 80 to 120 pounds. Height limits vary from a minimum of 40 inches to a maximum of 59 inches. Be sure to follow instructions. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle’s guidelines to ensure the seat is used properly.