Car seat requirements

[sbouncer]

Hello All,

Can anyone tell me what the California requirement is for car seats/booster seats for a toddler? We are headed to California for two weeks in a week with our son who is 6 1/2 years old, 54" tall and 55lbs. Do the laws out there require that he be in a booster seat in the rental car? Thanks in advance, trying to determine if I need to bring one or buy one when I get there.

 

[CAmom2boys]

The law states 6 years or 60 pounds though the state is now recommending children sit in boosters until age 8. Legally he would be fine without a booster seat. Ideally he would sit in a booster until the seatbelt can fit him properly and you're the best person to evaluate that. My DS is 7, 51" tall and 85 pounds. He still sits in a booster seat 99% of the time because the seatbelt cuts across his neck when he doesn't. You have to decide what you are comfortable with for your travels. We usually pack a backless booster in our suitcase. You can also buy one at WalMart for $25.