At what age must a child be in a booster seat until?

The correct age for a child to remain in a booster seat is 8 years old. This standard is based on safety recommendations from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, which advocates for the continued use of booster seats until a child is large enough to fit in a seat belt properly without one.

A booster seat elevates a child so that the vehicle's seat belt fits correctly, ensuring that the lap belt lies snugly across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt crosses the chest without putting pressure on the neck or face. As children grow, they develop the physical size that allows them to transition to using a regular seat belt, and this typically happens around 8 years old but can vary based on the child's height and weight.

Understanding this age guideline helps in making informed decisions regarding child passenger safety, which is crucial in preventing injuries in car accidents. It's important for caregivers to be aware of the right age and size requirements to ensure the safety of children while traveling in vehicles.