When did you stop using a booster car seat for your child?

My son will never sit properly in the booster car seats. He is to active and he will not sit quietly for more than 10 min. So even if I have use the booster car, it is the same like without using it. So I do not bring him for a long distance alone, unless there are someone take care of him.

If you read the book SuperFreakonomics, independant (not paid for by booster seat manufacturers) studies show that children over the age of two years are no safer in a booster seat than with a regular adult seatbelt. The best thing to keep kids over two safe is to buy one of those cheap seatbelt adjusters that make sure the belt sits where it is supposed to across the child. But car seat manufacturers have lobbied the government (in Canada too) to make it a law that you have to waste your money on their useless stuff.

My kids are currently ages 13, 7 yr old twins, 4 and 2. The older 3 stopped using their booster seats when they were 4.. I believe the law at the time was that they did not have to use them once they hit 5 years old.. I stopped a bit early as they were good size for their age, and the booster seat was a big pain in the neck! Obviously my younger 2 are still in car seats/ booster seats. I've actually just switched the 4 year old to using the seat belt with his booster seat instead of the straps. I figure I will probably stop using it before long. He's a big boy, already nearly 50 pounds, and he is tall. I see no reason for him to need the booster seat anymore. Though I don't know the specific laws in my state at the moment.. last I knew it was SUGGESTED that they use booster seats until they're 8.. but the law was until they're 5. If the law says he has to stay in it.. then I'll probably leave him in it for a little longer.. but will probably not keep him in it until he's 8 as I think that's nonsense! The main reason I'm still using the seat now is that if I let him sit without the seat.. which I did once, the 2 year old assumes he can sit without his seat too.. and I'm not in the mood to deal with the temper tantrum and fighting with him to stay in his seat even though his brother isn't.

I think you should do whatever you feel comfortable with. My daughter is 8 years old and weighs 58 pounds. She does not sit in a booster seat. Once she turned 8 we took the seat out. Just our preference though.

Suzie- I'm afraid I would do whatever would keep my child safe. If your child is extremely thin the compression of a seat belt on his chest could be worse than the fact that he has to still use a booster seat. Now, I've seen some newer ones that blend in with the car so that people on the outside aren't aware that the child is even in a booster seat (but meet state guidelines) that you might find useful. I would make sure to read the booster seat weight limits and select the appropriate model. Namaste-Anora

Hi, I never use booster car seat for my son since he was born. When he was still a baby, I carry him in my arm while my husband is driving. So it means, I won't never drive myself with my son alone as nobody can help me to carry him while I am driving. I don't see the purpose for me to buy car seat as we are at home most of the time and if we were to go out, my husband will fetch us. I do think some car seat can fit toddler till 5-6 years old. But since your child has reached 8 years old and he is big enough to sit by his own, I don't see the need why he still need a car seat. It is just my opinion. Hope you don't mind.

My son is eight but has epilepsy and some muscle problems. We still have him sit in a high back booster seat because we are not comfortable with him going without it yet. When he reaches 80 pounds we will let him graduate from the booster seat but not until then.