Do I need a car seat/booster for 3-5 year olds?

Question

My nieces are visiting me in Dallas and I was wondering if I needed to purchase a booster or a car seat for the % and 3 year olds.

Answer 1

try the salvation army they have kid seats, I also recommend that you have some one else install them or check it's safety.. yard sales are good as well---just think safety

Answer 2

Just have their parents bring them im sure they have them.

Answer 3

I dont care what the law is, but they should be in one for safety. They should also be placed in the back seat at all times. You can find good used ones that are inexpensive everywhere. Look at garage sales and second hand stores.

Answer 4

Texas state law requires that any child 5 years and younger AND less than 36 inches tall use a safety restraint system like a booster seat. Once they reach 5 years, they are no longer required by law to sit in a booster seat.

Most experts though say that children up to 4' 9" should be in booster seats for safety. You get to choose how safe you want to be.

Answer 5

Use this site it will tell you everything that you need to know and good luck.........

http://www.childseatcenter.com/article10...

Answer 6

YES. 3-5 must booster..

Answer 7

Well, I would hope the parents would provide their seats. Are they flying there or driving? If flying the 3 year old should be using her harnessed car seat ON the plane. Booster seats are not allowed on an airplane, but can be gate checked. If they are driving, just transfer the seats from parents car. Using the seats they already have is the best option: you're more assured they'll fit the children, you don't spend money on seats that will hardly get used.

If the parents refuse, then yes, you will need to purchase seats for them to use while they are here. Keep in mind that as long as they are not in any accidents while they're here you can turn around and sell them as soon as they leave. Booster seats run $30-$50 I suggest a Graco Turbobooster (WITH the back!!). But the 3 year old is not old enough yet to be in a booster and needs to be in a seat with a 5 point harness. Ask mom and dad for her torso height (measure from butt to shoulders when child is seated) and weight, this will help you buy the least expensive seat that will fit her. If her torso height is 14" or less and she weighs less than 40lbs, then you get off easily with a Cosco Scenera for $45 at Walmart/Target/Kmart (even comes in a pretty pink print!). If she's over 15" torso length but still under 40lbs, check out Evenflo Chase/Generations, though these seats can be a major BOOGER to install, it should fit her. Or Safety1st Intera, here: http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/ns... can't usually be found in stores anymore.

If she is both over 15" torso and 40lbs, that means spending a little more. what I would do is buy a Graco Nautilus. YES its $150, however, they are very popular and flying off shelves so I would think it quite easy to resell for a good portion of the value. Check out Apex65 or Signature Biltmore, $109 at albeebaby

A Fisher Price Safe Voyage Deluxe would definitely fit her (unless she's a really BIG 3 year old!) for $129.00 at albeebaby.com with free shipping, you can get the turbobooster there, too. Again, the Fisher Price safe Voyage is a popular seat and should be easy to resell b/c of 55lbs weight limit and 17" top slots. Its VERY easy to install, its the same seat shell as the Britax Marathon.

If you want more clear help (lol, lots of choices, depending completely on her size!) email me her torso height and weight.