Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

Miranda is 30lbs so she meets the weight limits. We have a mini van with all the safety features (side air bags, etc). She is really struggling with being in her car seat (we have the Britax Boulevard). It's not about being a big girl it's because of some of the sensory issues she's dealing with. A lot of tears ensure when she is in her seat for any length of time. She starts freaking out that she needs to get out, she can't stay in there any longer, etc. She wants the straps looser than they should be too. Uggh.

I don't know what to do.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

If a HBB is safer and meets the needs of your particular child then yes I would do it.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

It's safe but safer I don't know since it's not a 5 point harness.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

The booster brings different issues - the strap can easily be too high on her chest (close to her neck) and bother her. She can try to put the shoulder strap behind her or even undo the belt, which is much easier than undoing a regular carseat. Do you know she is OK with these things? I would be leery of switching her over too early even if she meets the minimum requirements since it's a safety thing but I can understand why you would want to with the stress of the sensory issues.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

I think it's the 5pt harness that is bothering her...on her chest? She isnt' really explaining what's bothering her. Ugggh.
I have no idea if a seatbelt will even be comfortable to her.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

I thought it was 4 and 40lbs?

Anyway, I would probably opt for a 5 pt harness. I know people like the Graco Nautilus.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

I guess I just read that 40lbs is the preferred weight but all of the boosters lower weight limit is 30lbs.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

We're likely going to be switching DD over soon. DS is going to be growing out of his Snugride probably around November & then I'm going to move him into the convertibles. DD turned 4 last week & she was 41 pounds last time I weighed her.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

I switched my son to a lap belt a couple months after he turned 4 (early spring) but he was over the limit of the 5 point harness Eddie Bauer Booster I have. He was about 44 lbs and just under 43 inches (my 5point was 40lbs and 43 inches - can be used with a lap belt after but it didn't feel safe to us and after some reading found the safety ratings were low when used that way).

I did a bunch of reading before I did this because I felt he was so young still. Most everything I read said as far as safety keep them in the 5 point harness as long as you can and not before 4 yrs and 40lbs. It said don't rush the booster. I also read the high back is less safe than a regular booster. I opted for the high back anyway since he sleeps in the car when we go for long rides and it appears more comfy and the seat I got did get good ratings (just not the highest category - Graco Turbobooster). I do see many kids in my sons class in boosters and many are not near 40lbs or at least don't look it.

If she is a having issues with the harness, she may still have it with the lap belt going across her and it will be much easier for her to wiggle out of and unclip herself. My son knows never to do that (he is Mr safety patrol in the car) and is very cautious so you have to judge if you think she will do the same. I personally would wait and hope this may be a phase and pass soon.

Message edited 8/11/2009 7:10:05 AM.

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

My DS is 3 and always hated the carseat. A few months ago it got bad again and he was doing what Miranda is doing. I just ignored it or I would make pretend I would loosen it. Then we bought a tv for the car since we were going on a 3.5 car ride and he got better and it stopped. I do not like the tv for short car rides but I don't mind it for long ones.

I don't think I would put her in a highback booster as your main carseat. If it was a second on for DH's car then I would say yes. Like, Elizabeth said she is probably just going to pick on different things to not like. Is their anyway that maybe there therapists can get out of her why she doesn't like the car ride?

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

DD#1 was in a highback booster w/a seatbelt by age 4(she was big for her age)

Re: Would you put your 4 year old in a high back booster?

I'd do a 3in1 Graco Nautilus. I switched my 3 year old into one from a Boulevard and it's alot less bulky. And if she has an issue with the 5 point you can always use the shoulder belt but you have the 2 options and then it converts to a lap booster....

Versatile, Convertible Design Lasts through Early Childhood
The Nautilus features an extended five-point harness design that can accommodate children over the age of one, from 20 to 65 pounds in weight--a wider range than most other forward-facing car seats. As your child grows, the seat easily converts to a high-back booster and then, lastly, to a backless booster for a child up to 100 pounds in weight. A steel-reinforced frame and superior construction help to ensure safety and durability through years of use.

As well as being secure and safe, your child will feel extra-comfy, too, with an easily adjustable head support, cushioned seat, and wide armrests; a cup holder and side storage keeps snacks and treasures close at hand.










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Message edited 8/11/2009 8:05:31 AM.