Ages 8 to 12 Years

It is very important for older kids and preteens to continue to use booster seats and sit in the back seat of the car to help keep them safe. Learn how to choose a seat that fits them and works correctly in your car.

Make sure that your child stays in a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and fit in a seat belt correctly. Then, they can switch to riding with a seatbelt. Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the back seat because they are smaller and can get hurt by the front seat air bags. Pick a car seat that fits your child's weight and height and fits correctly into your car. There are 4 options of car seats for these ages before they are ready for a seatbelt.

All-in-One Car Seat: This car seat can change from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat that uses a harness and a tether. It also changes to a booster seat for older kids.

Combination Car Seat: This seat can work as a forward facing seat with a harness and a tether. It can also turn into a booster seat for older kids.

High Back Booster Seat: This seat lifts up a child to help the seat belt fit properly. This seat also supports their head and neck. You must use this kind of booster seat in cars that do not have headrests or a tall seat back. This seat must be used with a lap-and-shoulder seatbelt. Make sure that your child is old enough and big enough to fit before using this seat.

Backless Booster Seat: This seat helps raise up a child's so that the seatbelt can fit correctly. This seat does not support the head and neck because it does not have a back on it. Only use it in cars that have headrests and tall seat backs. It must be used with a lap-and-shoulder belt. Make sure that your child is old enough and big enough to fit before using this seat.

Seatbelt: All children under 13 should ride in the back because they are smaller and can get hurt from the front seat airbags. Kids should stay in a booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and the seatbelt fits them correctly. A good fit means that the lap belt should rest firmly on their upper thighs, not their stomach. The shoulder belt should fit snugly on their shoulder and chest, but not on the neck or face.

Always read both you car seat and vehicle instruction manual. They will help you learn how to safely install and use the seat in your car.

Do you have questions about car seats?

Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk with our staff live Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for answers to your questions.