At what age should a child transition to a booster seat?

The transition to a booster seat is generally recommended when a child reaches a height of around 4 feet 9 inches, which typically occurs between the ages of 4 and 8. Choosing the age of 4 years old aligns with guidelines that suggest children stay in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum weight or height limit for that seat. Once they surpass those limits and are at least 4 years old, they can safely move to a booster seat.

This approach emphasizes that while age is a factor, the child's size and development play a crucial role in car seat safety. It is essential for children to be properly restrained to reduce the risk of injury in a vehicle. A booster's function is to elevate the child's seating position so that the vehicle's safety belts fit properly. Therefore, the answer reflects age-based recommendations that align with safety practices for child passengers.