Does Your Child Pass the 5-Step Test?

Did You Know? Height is the most important factor in choosing the right car seat.

Children are often moved out of a booster seat way too early. Like babies and toddlers, older children are also at risk of serious injury in the event of an accident. Adult seat belts are designed for average sized adults - NOT children. So your child must be a minimum height of 58 inches tall (with a sitting height of 29 inches) before they can buckle up using just an adult seat belt in a vehicle.

While height is important, it is NOT the only indicator. You should also consider how your child sits in the seat.

We recommend that you only move your child out of their booster seat once they have passed the 5-Step Test. Here's what to look for:

1. Can your child sit with their back against the vehicle seat?

2. Do your child's knees bend in front of the edge of the seat cushion?

3. Is the lap belt sitting low across your child's hips and touching their thighs?

4. Does the sash belt sit across the middle of your child's shoulder?

5. Can your child stay seated correctly like this for entire trip without slumping?

Once your child is tall enough and has passed the 5-Step Test, they're ready to buckle up using just a seat belt!