When you and your kids get into your vehicle, you are probably in a hurry. And although it might be easier and faster to transition from the house to the car now that your kids are almost teenagers, you still need to make sure they are buckled in correctly.
While your tweens may resist buckling up, you probably do not move your vehicle until you know their safety belts are on. However, there are certain things you would be wise to consider before allowing your kids to use adult seat belts. But do you know the safest way to transition your kids out of booster seats?
Considerations for using adult seat belts
Although your kids might not appreciate having to sit in booster seats, or may find doing so embarrassing in front of their taller friends, they should not use adult seat belts until it is safe.
Before transitioning your kids out of their booster seats, there are some things you should consider. These include:
- Your kids should be able to sit with their knees bent comfortably, keeping their feet flat on the floor.
- Shoulder belts should not cross your tweens’ faces or necks. Instead, they should fit snugly over the shoulder and across the chest.
- Lap belts should fit across your kids’ thighs, rather than reach across the tummy.
It is important to keep in mind that although your tweens might be big enough to safely use adult seat belts in one car, they may still need booster seats in another motor vehicle. And although your kids might complain about not being able to use adult seat belts, you would likely agree that it is better for your kids to potentially complain a bit in the moment than to risk their safety, perhaps permanently.
