Our children’s safety is of the utmost importance. As a parent, and owner of a vehicle, you have a responsibility to stay up-to-date with the latest car seat safety and booster seat laws. That information hits home for our community as two young children were killed in a motor vehicle accident over the holiday break. Our local school is collecting donations for the family during this difficult time while counselors are being brought in for those students who are affected by this terrible tragedy.
Here’s what you need to know about Booster Seat Laws
Child Safety Tips
One of the children in the accident, age 8, was seated in the front seat, and although she was wearing a seatbelt, she lost her life. While it is not required, the DHSMV recommends children 12 years old and under ride in the back seat of a vehicle when possible. This is due to safety concerns for air bag deployment, which can be dangerous for young children.
Florida law requires children ages 4-5 to be in an integrated child seat or child booster seat. And children aged 0-3 must be in a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat, or car seat.
Photo Credit: FL Dept of Motor Vehicles
Installation
Installation of a car seat is just as important. It will not benefit your child to be in a child seat, if it is not properly installed. Follow the manufacturer instructions carefully, or visit your local police or fire station to help with installation. I can speak from experience; I thought I had done everything right when researching the safest car seat for our first son, but the seat was loose and would shift when driving. I followed my gut instinct and stopped at my local fire station. The fire chief had no problem with not only re-installing my son’s car seat, but also teaching me exactly how to do it. It’s also very important that your child’s chest clip on a 5-point harness is positioned across their chest (at armpit level). It should not be across the child’s stomach, or too close to their neck.
For more information on child safety awareness and booster seat laws, visit their website. Curious about your state laws? Click here.
This is a partnered post with Diono. All opinions are my own.
The Diono Monterey Booster Seat
As you can see, I’m pretty passionate about child safety. Although L is turning 6 soon, I feel strongly about him remaining in a child safety seat. We recently modified him from a 5 point harness car seat to the Diono Monterey booster seat.
Why did I choose the Diono Monterey? Check out the features below:
- Fits children 40 lb to 120 lb and 38? to 63? in height
- Extra-deep side walls are reinforced with aluminum and lined with EPS foam for superior side impact protection
- Energy absorbing AirTek™ foam provides superior cushioning and increased airflow for comfortable ride
- Adjustable width: expandable seat back fits shoulders up to 20”
- Adjustable height: 11 position headrest adjusts up to 6.5? with one hand
- Can also be used as a backless booster
- LATCH system for secure installation (LATCH use not required)
- Angled, reinforced seat bottom prevents submarining
- Longer seat bottom for proper leg support with cushioned comfort
- 2 recline positions for comfort and to fit all vehicle seat shapes
- Retractable cup holders are extra deep to keep drinks upright
- Packs flat for travel and storage
- 1 year warranty
Not only is safety a key in choosing the correct booster seat for your child, but conveniences like cup holders and adjustable headrests are important too. I really appreciate that the Monterey includes Energy absorbing AirTek™ foam for a comfortable ride for my little guy.
Adjusting your child’s booster seat is really simple. Locate the instruction manual underneath the booster seat. To adjust the head support, squeeze and pull up on the top red lever. To adjust the seat back width, turn the red dial in the center. Installing the Diono booster seat is also simple. The included LATCH connectors are located in storage slots under the booster. Turn the booster on its side and press the cam lock lever to put the LATCH connectors away from the booster. Now you can install it properly in your vehicle, and adjust accordingly with the front straps.
He felt like such a big boy strapping himself in with the safety belt. And he doesn’t mind having a cool new seat either.
Now that you’re equipped with the latest booster seat laws, it’s time to check your child’s seat for proper care. If you’re in the market for a booster seat, I highly recommend the Diono Monterey. It’s a quality made child safety seat that’s appropriately priced too.
Car Accessories
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep the car cleaner, check out the Travel Pal car organizer. This waterproof cargo bin fits nicely in the middle seat and has plenty of room to store all of your childs’ favorite books and toys. It also includes 2 insulated drink holders for added convenience. The Stuff ‘n Scuff seat back organizer is another favorite of ours. It fits easily around any headrest while protecting your seat from shoe scuff marks made by your growing child. It also includes 2 large pockets for storage.
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humera tabassum says
awesome review love the features
Stacey Roberson says
We love our Diono booster seat! Great quality car seat.
Sherry Bult says
It all about safety!!!
Janet W. says
What a great booster seat! This would be perfect for my grandson!
Lauryn R says
This definitely sounds like the best booster seat out there, Diono is a great brand! 🙂 I need to get one for my oldest!
Sara Zielinski says
THis looks like an awesome booster seat.