Is Your Child Ready To Graduate From Their Booster?

Many kids are anxious to ditch the booster seat so they can be a "big kid," but there are safety risks associated with moving them out of a booster seat before they are ready. Remember that Washington State law requires all children under 13 years old to ride in the backseat of any vehicle when practical to do so.

Let's look at some ways to tell if the child in your care is ready to graduate from their booster seat.

1) Can they sit up straight and tall in their seat without slouching for the entire ride?

2) Do their knees bend naturally over the edge of their seat?

3) Do their feet fully and comfortably touch the floor of the vehicle?

4) Does the lap portion of the seatbelt rest naturally on their upper thighs rather than across their stomach?

5) Does the seatbelt rest comfortably across their shoulder and chest without crossing their neck or face?

Once all of these conditions are met, your child can stop using a booster seat. It's important to remember that your child will need to be able to reliably remain in this upright position with their feet flat on the floor for the entire ride before they can stop using their booster. It takes some children longer to reach this developmental milestone than others - and that's okay!