What’s better to use for your growing child? In this article, we compare the differences between a booster seat vs. harness car seats. Although they will both keep your little bundle safe, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s face it. Kids grow entirely too fast. How can you be sure that your child is in the correct safety seat while traveling? Do you know the laws about child safety while in a moving vehicle? According to BestCarSeatHub there are several pros and cons to both so let’s explore a bit.
Car Seat with Harness Straps
Their height and weight determine the way to check if your child should still be in a car seat with harness straps. Usually, a child who is between 20-60 lbs and under 4 feet are required to be in one. Children vary by age but are generally children between 3 to 6 years old use this apparatus.
There are pros and cons of using this type of safety measure. One of the advantages is that you use a five-point harness to ensure your child is safely secured while in your car. This is especially great for active toddlers who do not like to sit still. The new Britax B-Lively review is a great choice!
One con for still having a young child in this device is the installation process. Plus, if there are multiple vehicles involved with the transportation of the child, then there need to be multiple car seats.
Booster Seat
Children should be at least five years old before transitioning to a booster (either with a back or without). Children must also be 40lbs and over 4 feet 2 inches tall. Healthychildren.org describes the different types of booster seats available, including high back and backless.
They also go over the proper guidelines for installation. One variant can be converted into the two different types of car seat discussed in this article, such as the Graco 4ever. This model is awesome because it grows with your child from birth to 12 years old!
Vehicle Seat
You must follow a few simple car checks to ensure your kid is big enough to sit without any support. In short, children should be able to sit with knees bending at the edge of the seat and be tall enough for the vehicle safety strap to go across their shoulder correctly. Regardless children under 13 should be in the back seat. Additionally, you can check carseatsmom.com and see the 15 Best All in one seats.
Booster Seat vs. Car Seat with Harness Strap
The main difference between a booster and a car seat with a harness strap is the safety strap system. A harness strap with a five-point safety system that goes across the arms, chest, and crotch area. This is perfect for restraining a child who continually moves about in the car.
In a booster, you are using the vehicles latching system to fit across properly. Children should be, at a minimum, 5 years old because they can sit still for extended periods.
Children also need to fit the height and weight requirements in order to ride in either apparatus. If children are unable to sit properly for extended periods of time, you should think about sticking to the harness variant.
Conclusion
There are several pros and cons to each version. The height and weight requirement should be checked strictly to ensure the maximum safety of your children. The maturity of your child to be able to sit correctly in the car for periods is also a factor to consider when choosing to use either seat.
