My 8-1/2 yr. old ds now passes the 5 step test to get out of his booster. He didn't in my Sienna, but in our new van he does. I don't know if it is because we now have 2nd row captains chairs instead of a bench seat? He is 53-1/2 inches tall, but only weighs 54 lbs. So, is it safe for him to be out of a booster? I just worry because he weighs so little. He does pass the test though, so he wants to get out. What do you think? I told him I would check it out before I would commit to anything.

By Kaye on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 01:07 pm:

Debbie, we have the same van and found the same thing. We bought one of those backless boosters, which was less "baby" for him. Within the last few months, he will ride around town without being in his booster, often he is not the smallest kid with me, so I put them in it. However on long trips he really does prefer to be in it, he can see more and it is more comfy.

By Eve on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 04:34 pm:

Trina is on vacation this week.

By Debbie on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 07:54 pm:

Thanks Eve, for letting me know Trina is on vacation.

Kaye, he is actually in the backless one now. I checked him again today, and he does fit just like he is suppose to. His knees bend and his feet touch the floor, his belt hits him between the shoulder and neck, and it goes across his hips like it is suppose too. I will just keep his booster in the car if he wants it. I guess I could do like you, and just have him use it for long, highway trips.

By Kaye on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 09:37 pm:

The biggest point in the five step test is his behavior. Can he sit still and stay in that buckle right? Mine only can do that for a short period of time, but you know texas, we take long trips and he just can't do it for long. He ends up laying to the side, etc. Ultimately if the seat belt fits right and he stays in it, then he should be fine. I do know that some places have the law at 80 pounds, I guess it just gives them more "meat" to fit into their seat belts. But I will agree that the odyssey seat belt really accomodate younger kids way before other cars. I was amazed when we switched from our dodge to our odyssey and the same is true with our accord.

By Debbie on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 10:18 am:

Kaye, he is actually really good about sitting still. Now, my youngest, he will be an entirely different story. We are driving to Oklahoma in a few days. I am going to keep his booster in the car if we need it.

Thanks for the information.

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, August 19, 2006 - 04:09 pm:

We just got home about an hour ago, and I quickly peeked in to see what I've missed. I have tons to do so this will be a quickie.

Debbie, what state are you in now? Didn't you recently move? Depending on what your state child restraint laws are your DS may be legally required to use a booster. Regardless, safety experts advise kids to ride in boosters until at least 4'9" and can pass the 5 Step Test.
BoosterSeat.gov
My 10 yr. old DS is 4'6", 80 lbs. and still does not pass the 5 Step Test in our '04 Sienna (middle row captains chairs).

Kaye brought up an excellent point regarding maturity and being able to sit properly for the entire trip.

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 10:08 am:

Deb, I'm not sure if you saw this or not.

By Debbie on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 10:20 am:

Thanks for bumping, Trina. I didn't see it. We are in Oklahoma now. Ds is 4'5", but does pass the 5 step test in our new Odyssey. In our Sienna he didn't. The law for carseats in Oklahoma is just kids 6 and under must be in a carseat/booster. So, my question is this, if he passes the 5 step test, is it safe if he isn't 4'9" yet?

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 02:19 pm:

I would err on the side of caution and keep him in a booster until he's at least 4'9" tall and can pass the 5 Step Test. Kids who ride in boosters are 60% safer than their peers who don't. Hmmm, Eve just got a new Odyssey. I'm curious now, and will have to see if Tyler passes the 5 Step Test in it. LOL! He definitely doesn't in our Sienna. The shoulder belt cuts right across his neck without a booster.