Booster Seat Test

KENSINGTON, Md., (WUSA) -- "You're getting to be a big boy, and now it's dime for you to get a new car seat," says Deborah Barth.

Four year old Joey Barth is about to outgrow his car seat. And, his parents are trying to play catch up.

His mom Deborah says, "When we get this phase with our children, we just really get confused."

Deborah and Ken have seven children, but they are still stumped when it's time for this transition.

"Raising the kids, easy, trying to find the right car seat, not so much," she says.

We asked Lorrie Walker with Safe Kids USA to help these parents find the right fit.

"He's ready to make the move. And, I'll tell you why. First of all, his ears are coming up right on top of the seat," says Lorrie.

She says that's one way to know if your little one is ready for a boost.

"In a car seat, the lap belt is fine. But, when you move to a booster seat, it has to be a lap and shoulder belt," she says.

Every family is different. If you have seven children, like the Barth family, you have to make decisions based on each individual child.

Lorrie prefers for parents to keep their kids in a car seat with a harness.

She says, "always use the harness whenever it's possible. The harness adds that extra protection over the shoulder, over the hips, up through the crotch area."

"Cross the chest, low on the hips and now he's properly seated," she tells the Barths as she shows them the proper way to buckle little Joey in the booster seat.

But, if parents want to switch to a booster seat, Lorrie says you want to make sure the straps fit tightly on the shoulder and hips for safety.

And, you have to make sure the seat is in the right position in your vehicle.

"You never, ever, ever want to use it with a lap only belt because he'd have only lap protection," Lorrie says.

These parents are now ready to put their money into a safer seat, thanks to a thorough fitting that will keep Joey from harm when the family hits the road.

You'll know if your child is ready to change seats if his or her ears reach the top of their current seat.

Or, if they are between the maximum weight and height for the seat you've bought them.

Secure your children in car seats with a five point harness and higher weight requirement.

And, if you want to use a booster seat, be sure your child is secured across the shoulders and hips.

Safe Kids USA Safety Interventions.

Ensure that every occupant is properly restrained for every ride.

Always follow manufacturer's instructions. Infants should ride in rear-facing child safety seats as long as possible (a minimum of 12 months old and 20 pounds).

Correctly secure children that weigh between 20 and 40 pounds in a forward facing child safety seat. Always use the safety seat tether for optimal protection.

Correctly secure children 40 pounds in a booster seat or other appropriate child restraint until the adult lap and shoulder safety belts fit correctly (approximately 4'9" and 80-100 pounds, usually between 8 and 12 years).

Return the product registration card provided for all new child safety seats to the manufacturer to ensure you will be notified of any recalls.

Check www.recalls.gov to inquire about any recalls or safety notices on child safety seats. Avoid purchasing safety seats from yard sales, flea markets and second hand stores or when there is no known history of the seat.