Jun 20, 2008 6:00 pm US/Eastern
Big Kids Must Soon Return To Booster Seats
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Parents may hear some whining from six and seven-year-olds when they learn they have to go back into a booster seat by the end of the month.
Suzanne Collins reports that new Maryland law takes effect soon.
Some parents tossed out their children's booster seats when they turned six or weighed more than 60 pounds. But they may have to go out and buy new ones.
"The new law's going to require that children up to the age of eight be secured in a booster seat or other federally approved child safety restraint unless they are over 4'9" or 65 pounds," said Tracy Whitman with Kids in Safety Seats.
Research shows children that age are 38 percent safer in seat belts but 59 percent safer in booster seats.
One mother says her youngest will have to go back in a booster seat for just three months.
"Now that the law is in effect, obviously we have to abide by the law so it's going to be quite interesting having my seven-year-old go back into a booster seat. Be a shocker for him," said Kelly Larkin.
Kids who are six or seven have already been in a seat belt, and they could give their parents a lot of grief about having to go back into a booster seat. There are ways you can avoid that family argument.
"Take them back to the store, and let them pick out a booster seat they prefer for color or for design. They can decorate it with a sticker. Promote it as a big boy or big girl seat," said Whitman.
Children six and seven were also wearing adult seatbelts in an unsafe way.
"They may actually altogether put it behind them which means they'll hold here, but they're going to shove forward for injuries to the head and neck," Whitman said.
One mother still keeps her eight-year-old in a booster seat because he's petite compared to his friends of the same age.
"He's in second grade going into third grade, and we think he'll be in a booster seat for senior prom unless he starts putting on some weight," said Kathleen Yarbrough.
New booster seats are being shipped Friday to 25 centers around the state for those who can't afford to buy one.
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