First responders supported unwavering booster seat safety
“At the ER and follow-up appointment with my son’s pediatrician, medical providers echoed what the paramedics said – thank goodness he was in a booster!”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids are ready to use adult seat belts without a booster when they reach 4-feet-9 inches, typically between 8 and 12 years of age. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends a child be at least 4-feet-9 inches and between 80 and 100 pounds.
Jen says she hopes to spread awareness about how essential booster seats are for bigger kids.
“I have one thing to ask of everyone reading this – keep your children in boosters for as long a possible.”
She says Braeden knows how lucky he is to be alive. Since the accident, he no longer complains about having to sit in his high back booster seat.
According to the AAP, car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. Over the last 10 years, 4 children under the age of 14 died each day in a car accident. Holding your ground, and ensuring your child’s car seat is just right for them could mean the difference between life and death.
Of course, you can never protect your child from every possible injury. But, you can be diligent about following safety guidelines while riding in the car. Consider making car seat safety fun for the entire family with these ideas:
- Let the first person to click his or her seatbelt pick the music for the car ride.
- Using your rear-view mirror, periodically check the position of each child in your car. Verbally comment on what each one is doing well.
- Set a good example for your kids to follow. Always wear your seatbelt.
- Occasionally, treat the family to ice cream or smoothies. Mention that you’ve noticed how well each person is wearing his or her seatbelt.
