Moms Talk: Are Booster Seat Recommendations Right?

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question: Are new booster seat recommendations right for my kids?

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily Teeple Morrison (mother of 2): Car seat safety has come a long way in recent years and will continue to evolve with time.  There are more drivers and more accidents on the road than ever before, and an entire industry devoted to researching and manufacturing child safety products.  I would stick with their current recommendations — it certainly can't hurt.  Kids may push for what "bigger kids" have (I know mine does), but have the conversation that their safety comes first and there's no negotiating about that.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise Ricchini (mother of 1): I think it is good to have something more standardized in regards to this topic.  People tend to use their own judgment or let their small child talk them out of making them sit in a booster, but it is only for their child's protection. I also think having children in a booster encourages people to keep their children in the back instead of letting them sit in the front, which could make a big difference if an accident occurs.   

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie Carosella (mother of 3): As much as my 9 year old would groan, I have to say that I agree with the new recommendations. The new recommendations were made in response to statistics and research. In these statistics and research it showed that many infants and young children were getting hurt or worse, because the safety seats were not doing their job, which is to keep our children safe. These new recommendations give me piece of mind that they are people out there looking at better ways to keep my children safe. Keeping my children safe is my number one priority.