Using a high back booster seat

[rhianna813]

My DS is almost 6 and rides in the backseat of my car and in the front seat of DH’s truck (no airbags). He uses a booster seat that includes a removable high back. The shoulder strap inserts into the high back before going across DS’s chest. DH stopped using the high back and I think the strap angles across DS’s chest ok, but I havn’t really investigated it closely.

DS asked if we can stop using it in my car too. And just use the booster seat part by itself.

I can’t find any info online about if these high backs are required or not, to what height or age. If it’s not required are there benefits to using it?

Thanks for any advice!

Rhianna

[Maedze]

Rhianna,

Great question. I STRONGLY encourage you to continue using the back and to put the back on the one in your husband's car, immediately.

Backlesses are good for kids who are too tall for the high back but still need a boost. In a vehicle with good side impact ratings, with HEAD RESTS, a child over 8 is probably ok in a backless.

We do know that a good back with head wings really reduces the force on the head and neck and reduces injuries particularly in a side impact crash. I would never suggest putting a 5 or 6 year old child in a backless booster.

[Adventuredad]

Well said