Children Too Big for Child Seats

Children who are large enough to wear the shoulder belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seatback, should use the rear seat belt. Use this simple 5-step test to determine whether the child can use only the vehicle seat belt:

1. 1
   Can the child sit with their back against the vehicle seatback?
2. 2
   Do the child's knees bend comfortably over the front edge of the vehicle seat while the child is still sitting all the way back?
3. 3
   Does the shoulder belt cross the child's shoulder between the neck and arm?
4. 4
   Does the lap portion of the seat belt lie as low as possible, touching the child's thighs and not the stomach?
5. 5
   Can the child stay in this position for the entire trip?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," the child still needs to use a booster seat in this vehicle. If the child uses the lap/shoulder belt, periodically check the seat belt fit and make sure the buckle is latched. By squirming or slouching, the child may move the belt out of position. If the shoulder belt touches the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle or use a booster seat to correctly position the seat belt on the child.