I need to know the 5 point test for kids to check if they still need to be in a booster. My friend's 6 year old son is coming to stay with him for the summer, and I'll be caring for him on my days off. He's a big boy, over 70 lbs, but to me, a 6 year old still needs a belt positioning booster, right? His home state is California, and I don't know the laws there, or if his mom makes him sit in a booster, so I don't want any arguement over the issue, but if you're in my car, and need to be in a booster, there's no discussion on the matter. TIA!!
Side note, it's funny how all of the information you've given us has turned me into a car seat fanatic, I saw a little girl at my work in the front seat of a car, in a booster. I turned to my friend and had a FIT over it, every time I see someone doing something like that I want to smack the parent in the head!!!

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 04:06 pm:

"...every time I see someone doing something like that I want to smack the parent in the head!!!" I can relate! LOL!

GOOD for you for being a car seat fanatic!

Kids are safest in boosters until at least 4'9" tall and can pass the 5 Step Test.
BoosterSeat.gov

My DS (10, almost 11) is 4'7", 80 lbs. and still rides in a booster, although he could legally ride without one in our state. He's less than 4'9" and doesn't pass the 5 Step Test. It's not about laws, it's about lives.

By Crystal915 on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 06:27 pm:

Thank you... I'll be prepared with the seat when we pick him up, and make sure it's the appropriate one for him. I've gotta look up KS law as well, because I believe it just changed, and he might be under the age limit.

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, June 16, 2007 - 06:58 pm:

You can look up the laws here:
Child Restraint Laws

As you can see, they vary A LOT. A perfect example of how something "legal" isn't necessarily safe.

By Jjb on Sunday, June 17, 2007 - 10:34 pm:

Wow Trina- it's so interesting how different states are. Thanks for the information. I got into a bit of an argument with a little boy my DS 6 yrs had over a few months ago. He didn't want to sit in a booster seat because he doesn't have to in his car. I was in shock that his parents didn't have him in a booster- he's only 5. He did sit in the booster seat. Crazy!!!!