When is it time to stop using a booster?

[Roni]

I remember back when my 9-yr-old dd was born, everyone said that children had to stay in a booster seat until 80 lbs. Now I'm hearing that it is by height--54 inches because some kids hit 80 lbs. before they are tall or mature enough. We don't have that problem--we're at about 52 inches now but only 60 lbs. Do I just go by the height, or the weight also?

Thnx

[KrisM]

There's a 5 step test to figure it out. Answers to all 5 need to be YES to be ready to ride without a booster. http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.htm


The 5-Step Test.
1. Does the child sit all the way back against the auto seat?
2. Do the child's knees bend comfortably at the edge of the auto seat?
3. Does the belt cross the shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. Is the lap belt as low as possible, touching the thighs?
5. Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

[Roni]

Thanks. So it sounds like the weight thing really isn't a factor, anymore.