Question about booster seat use

[alipski]

Hi Momma's!
I was wondering when you put your child in a booster seat.
I am starting school this week and will have some people helping out with babysitting DD. She will be 4 next month. I plan to keep using her carseat in my car and my husbands but, am wondering if she is safe using a booster if need be in my Mom's car or MIL's car if needed.
She's almost 4. Apporx. 40lbs. Anyone know?
Thanks girls!

[cissy]

She could use a booster seat you have to be over 3. Each kid is different, you need to know that she will sit there and pretty much not move, no messing around in the booster seat, sit up straight, don't mess with the seat belt.

[danikasmom]

I agree with cissy. Have her sit in one in your car and see if she sits still and the strap fits nice on her shoulder. I would do a trial run in your can and then also make sure whoever is driving her knows how it should fit her.

I put my daughter in on at 4 and she was only 35 pounds, but was 40". My doctor approved it. I kept the back on and that helped the shoulder strap fit correctly on her. She sat still and liked knowing that she was a big girl. She also had a big brother who she wanted to be like. I also told her if she didn't sit still she would have to go back to the carseat. I never had to switch her back. My youngest wants to sit in one, now but I told her when she can play hockey she can sit in one. She turns 4 next year.

[lilmermaid]

I agree with Cissy! Each child is different and you need to make sure the seat fits them properly.

[jrose]

I've been wondering this too since DD2 will need a new car seat soon and we can give DD2 DD1's car seat and just buy a booster for DD1. She is 4....41 lbs and 41 in. tall. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with it quite yet but DH thinks she will be fine in one.

[angel22]

DD1 is 6 and less than 40#'s. I still have her in a 5-pt harness booster chair. I'm not comfortable with her using just a "regular" booster and seat belt. She has done it, I just don't really like it.

[cissy]

I am with Angel, my 5 yr old 52 lbs and I don't know how tall is still in a 5 point harness. Why cuz it is safer, he has also been in a high back booster but that doesn't last long, he leaned forward 1 time and I told him he would not be able to sit like that again for a while. I have a carseat that goes til 65 lbs for the 5 point harness so he will be in it for a while longer. I like that seat so much I actually bought his brother the same one so he is also stuck for a while.

[cissy]

My 5 yr old is also about double the size of Angels 6 yr old.

[jrose]

I want to get the Graco Nautilus 3 in 1 for both the girls!

[lilmermaid]

Jennifer~That's what Cis and I both have! LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered mine site to store through Walmart to save a few dollars.

My DD2 turned 4 in Sept. and I have her in the 5 point. I feel much better with her in there. I think with DD1 I was so excited for her to use the booster I didn't care that she wasn't safe! I have learned so much more about car seat safety thanks to MLM on now MOMs!

[alipski]

I don't plan on switching her to a booster every day, I am just curious if you would feel comfortable in my situation using one in case of emergency or ever now and again in someone else's car. I agree, I want her in her 5pt as long as possible. ;-)

[jrose]

Good to know!!! I just have to get DH to go along with it.....I don't think the seat DD1 is in now goes up to 65 lbs..I'd have to check.

[lilmermaid]

I would be comfortable using it as an emergency or every once and a while. The reason being I can't afford to get another Graco for DH's truck and I don't like taking it in and out of my car. So for that reason when she goes with DH in his truck, which is 1-2 times a month I let her use the high back booster.

[angel22]

Yes, in case of emergency I would (and have) allowed DD1 to sit in a backless booster with shoulder strap seat belt.

[jrose]

The graco seat is on sale for $99 at babies r us black friday