What should you do if a child reaches the age of 4 in relation to car seat requirements?

Transitioning to a booster seat when a child reaches the age of 4 is aligned with safety guidelines and recommendations set forth by various health and safety organizations. At age 4, a child typically has outgrown the requirements for a forward-facing convertible seat, especially as they continue to grow in height and weight.

Booster seats are designed to position the vehicle's seat belt correctly on a child's body. By elevating the child so that the seat belt fits properly over their shoulder and lap, it significantly reduces the risk of injury during a car accident. This transition is crucial because the seat belt in a vehicle is designed for adults, and without a booster seat, even a forward-facing seat can leave a child improperly secured.

While remaining in a rear-facing seat is a safer option for younger children, once they reach the developmental milestones associated with being around 4 years old and meet the size requirements, a booster seat becomes the next appropriate step. Standard seat belts alone are not safe for children until they reach a certain height and weight, and continuing with a forward-facing seat may not provide optimal safety without the added elevation and positioning that a booster seat offers.