According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all children under the age of 13 should be in a booster seat or car seat until they’re big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.
For children 3-years-old and younger, they’re required to sit in a rear-facing car seat. Kids between 4-years-old and 7-years-old should sit in a forward-facing car seat.
The NHTSA says in order for a seat belt to actually work, the lap belt needs to fit closely to the thigh and not on the stomach. The shoulder portion of the seatbelt needs to be tight across the shoulder, and shouldn’t come onto the neck or face.
If the seatbelt isn’t fitting properly on the child, then they’re encouraged to sit in a booster seat.
Parents, we want to hear your feedback on this. Would you require your 12 year old to sit in a booster seat if he/she didn’t meet the NHTSA’s suggestions for seat belts? Tell us why or why not.
