Question about high back booster

Jenelle101

My daughter is 3.5 years old, 35 lbs and 39 inches tall.

Her carseat is expiring soon so I just bought her a high back booster for her. The one I got is for 30 lbs +, but I was just reading that children should stay in a 5-point harness until they reach the maximum height/weight requirements for the carseat. (The max for the carseat she currently has is 65 lbs or 49 inches.)  So now I'm thinking maybe I should return it...?  

My question is, when did you move your child to a high back booster. Was I wrong in getting this booster for her? She LOVES it (just rode in it for the first time today).

THANKS!

erbear

At least in PA, it's not legal to be in a booster until 4 years and 40 pounds. I would return it and get a 5 point harness, at least until 5.

TriciaandSean

Does the booster have a 5 pt harness?  It's definitely the law in many states to be 4 years and 40 lbs but that is the bare minimum.  Most kids are not mature enough to be in a booster until 5 or 6.  I plan on keeping my children in a 5 pt harness until they outgrow the limits.  My almost 3 year old is rear facing.  He's little at 28 lbs and 34".  He should be able to get at least another year out of rear facing in our car seat. 

carlab44

Ditto the PPs. Some states specify that the child should be 4 before using the booster, others just say they have to use some sort of restraint but don't specify what kind. Either way, it is VERY unlikely that a 3.5 year old is mature enough to sit correctly 100% of the time and that is what is most important. 

I'd return the booster, and get a seat such as the Graco Nautilus that converts from a 5-point harness to a high back booster. FWIW, we didn't switch DD to a booster until she was 6, and likely won't switch DS until he's 5.5.

Angela814

I wouldn't put a 3 yo in a high back booster. I wouldn't even put a 4 yo in one full time. My 3 yo is still rear facing (35 lbs and 40.5").

A lot of data shows that kids are safer in a harness until 5-6 years. I'd buy a harness to booster seat like the Britax Frontier, Graco Nautilus, and Evenflo SecureKids.

ASmallWonder

There's a good chance the seat you bought states 40 pounds and 4 years.  Since in most states the law is that you use any seat according to the manufacturer's instructions, you wouldn't be legal using a seat with those requirements.  They also need to be trust to sit straight up all the time, never slouching or falling asleep and three year olds really can't be counted on for that  I'd definitely return it and get a harnessed booster (the Graco Nautilus is a recommended seat and is actually on sale at Target this week