Increasing Booster Seat Use for 4- to 8-Year-Old Children - October 2002Increasing Booster Seat Use for 4- to 8-Year-Old Children - October 2002  
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4 Steps for Kids

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children of every age from 5 to 14. This fact can be linked in part to the nonuse or improper use of child safety seats.

4 Steps For Kids - Infant - Toddler - Booster - Seat BeltNHTSA's 4 STEPS FOR KIDS program promotes the correct use of child safety seats at different stages in a child's development, as shown in the 4-STEP logo. This publication focuses on the third stage—booster seats.

When children out-grow forward-facing child safety seats, they need to be restrained in belt-positioning booster seats. This usually occurs when children are about 4 years old and weigh approximately 40 pounds. To ensure children's safety, they should remain in booster seats until they are at least 8 years old, unless they are 4'9" tall.