Welcome fellow driving parents!
If your child has outgrown his car seat, then it’s about time a booster seat enters the picture.
Look:
For busy stay-at-home parents like me, going around town with a kid in tow is an all too familiar sight. Yet, no matter how much you hustle between those school drop-offs and grocery shopping, your child’s safety takes top priority.
For years, many parents continue to weigh over the safety of backless booster seats. Concerns often arise from the lack of neck, back, and head support. So, are backless booster seats safe?
Backless booster seats are generally safe if you use them correctly. Just make sure to opt for a design with a high safety rating and energy-absorbing side pads for impact protection.
Regardless, other specifics may tell you if a backless booster seat fits your child.
Okay, just tell me already!
When to Use a Backless Booster Seat
Older children who grow too big for car seats will need a booster seat instead. This elevation is necessary so that your child’s position matches the seat belt.
In other words, you can ensure that the strap rests on the strongest points of your kid’s chest, shoulders, and hips.
Without a booster, a safety belt can do more harm in a crash. It’s also essential to choose the correct model, which usually boils down to a high-back or a backless seat.
A backless booster is a good option if your vehicle features a seat back high enough to support your kid’s head.
You can conveniently carry this type in and out when switching between cars. It stands at a lower price range as well, which makes it more attractive if on a budget.
It’s also worth noting that state regulations cover backless booster seat usage, with stipulations varying across the country.
All the same, some typical values appear. Kids required to use booster seats typically are those below 57 inches tall, aged between four to twelve years old. In terms of weight, state limits differ widely from a maximum weight of 40–80 lbs.
Backless Booster Seats Safety Concerns
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approves the use of backless booster seats. Even then, these entail several safety concerns.
For instance, in contrast to high-back boosters, it lacks side bolsters that absorb impact during a crash. As a result, a child may suffer severe blows, especially to the head.
If your car lacks headrests to support the back of the head, then you may opt out of backless booster seats altogether.
At any rate, backless booster seats come with a set of instructions on how you should use them. Oftentimes, this states that your child’s ears or the midpoint of his head shouldn’t go higher than the back of the seat or the vehicle’s head restraint.
Another safety concern stems from getting the upper seat belt straps to align perfectly. Although backless booster seats come with guides for lap belt positioning, the same isn’t true for the shoulder area.
This lack of shoulder positioning guides may cause problems, especially if you have energetic kids that won’t stay still. You may find them slipping out of the belts frequently, with straps caught in the neck and other less ideal areas.
Backless Booster Car Seat Safety
While you can purchase the highest-rated backless booster seat on the market, it doesn’t guarantee 100% safety. There are several things to fulfill on your end to ensure your child is getting the most out of it.
For starters, check the backless booster seat requirements versus your child’s size. As you may know, every design features a different height and weight minimum you should follow.
In general, backless boosters are meant for heavier kids, those that are more capable of sitting upright and can support their head better.
Conclusions on Are Backless Booster Seats Safe?
We all want to keep our children safe in the back seat while we drive to and from places. Because of that, it’s our responsibility to buy an appropriate seat for them.
If you choose a backless booster seat, know that this option isn’t as safe as a high-back. It doesn’t offer side bolters, or head and back support. This is why you can only use it if your vehicle has headrests and a high enough seat back.
As part of its safe use, you also need to check the minimum weight and height recommendation for a specific product. If your kid fits the bill, then you can strap him in the right places.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between a backless and a high-back booster seat?
The main difference between a backless and a high-back booster seat lies in the structure. A high back features neck, back, and head support for extra protection.
On the other hand, a backless booster seat is nothing more than a base to raise the height of a child. This cheaper alternative, which you can carry conveniently, has a higher minimum weight requirement.
Do I need a backless booster?
You need a backless booster seat if switching between vehicles is part of your routine. It’s much easier to install and uninstall, plus it’s more portable than a high-back.
However, make sure that the backless booster is compatible with your child and the cars you’ll be using it in.
A headrest is necessary for protection. See to it as well that you can position the straps flat on the shoulders without crossing the neck or the face.
Which is safer: a backless booster or a high-back booster?
High-back booster seats are generally safer than backless boosters. They provide extra protection and support against side and frontal collisions, exceptionally useful in vehicles with no car restraints.
These models come with side bolsters and safety positioning guides to help secure your child in place. For the same reason, high-back boosters are ideal if you have smaller kids, particularly when going on long drives.
What weight is safe for a backless booster seat?
A safe weight for a backless booster seat should fit the manufacturer’s recommendation. The minimum is usually 40 lbs, but you should check the specifications for each product.
When choosing between designs, it’s always best to get a booster with a minimum requirement as close to your kid’s current weight. By doing this, you can maximize the use of the seat until your child reaches the weight limit.
It’s also worth mentioning that weight isn’t the only consideration. You’ll also need to ensure that the booster seat is suitable for your child’s height.
Last Updated on April 26, 2023 by Danny Reid
