Booster Seat Tests: Best and Worst
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Poor fit
Good fit
Today, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released the results of their new booster seat ratings. They tested 60 booster seats and rated them based on their fit with shoulder belts in various cars.
Why use booster seats at all? Safety belts were designed only with adults in mind. Boosters raise a child up so the belts fit them properly.
Along with testing, the IIHS provided some invaluable guidelines as to how booster seats should fit properly. After reading their advice, I can tell you that I have done this wrong SO many times with my niece and nephew. Forgive me, dear sister!
- The lap belt should fit flat across a child’s upper thighs, not across the soft abdomen, which is more likely to be injured in a crash than bony structures like the pelvis. (see in “poor fit” photo how the lap belt is too high)
- The shoulder belt should cross snugly over the middle of a child’s shoulder. Then it’s in position to provide effective protection in a crash. Plus it’s comfortable to use, so a child won’t be as likely to move it behind the back or under an arm. (see in “poor fit” photo the belt is too low on her shoulder)
To see what booster seats made their best, good and not recommended lists, check it out here.
All photos are courtesy of IIHS.
