Does my DS7 require a booster seat?

[DaniB]

I'm in Ontario, Canada and here he is required by law to be in a booster seat until age 8. Unless he suddenly shoots up in height.

Last year we flew to Disney, rode ME and the Disney buses. Two or 3 times we took a taxi from resort to resort and I don't recall booster seats...

If we end up making this a family trip after all, stay at Bonnet Creek and rent a car - do we need to have a booster seat? I'm not sure what Florida law is.

Just trying to figure out my back-up plan in case we have to switch our plans! Thanks!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I'm no expert in Florida Law (nor my own backyard) but I don't believe Florida has a booster law like we do in Canada.

See http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/florida-needs-booster-seat-law/1150546

http://sheriff.org/safety/carseat.cfm recommends that a Child like your son sit in one, but I don't see the requirement.

Dani, this is what we do. ON DME .... No seat, same goes for a cab. Whenever and where ever we rent a car, I always bring one booster seat per kid as a "carry on" (DD8 DS9). Note, that we simply store them on the flight. I think you should err on the caution side and simply bring the Booster with you when you rent, regardless of the requirements. I think safety wins out!

Note: The rental cost of Booster seats is expensive!

Ted

 

[sam_gordon]

Even if there is no law saying he needs one, keep in mind the safety aspect. If your DS is on the smaller size, you may want one. The booster seat is there so the seat belt fits correctly and can do its job in case of an accident.

 

[Minniemouse07]

If your child needs a booster seat at home, they need one on vacation. The laws of physics are not suspended just because you are having fun!

Since the reason you use the booster seat (your child doesn't fit into an adult seat belt) hasn't changed between Canada and Florida...then I would bring the booster seat.

As the previous poster stated, we take low back booster seats on the plane w/ us as one of our children's carry ons.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

In some states the law says a child must use a booster seat until s/he is 4'9" tall or weighs 80 pounds. Anyone know what the specifics are in Florida?

I have always been a stickler about booster seats. My kids where still in them long after their friends were even though I have very tall children. My daughter made me measure her weekly, she wanted out so badly!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

In some states the law says a child must use a booster seat until s/he is 4'9" tall or weighs 80 pounds. Anyone know what the specifics are in Florida?

This info is very easily found doing a quick Google search:

http://www.iihs.org/laws/childrestraint.aspx

http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/fl.html

 

[Alesia]

In some states the law says a child must use a booster seat until s/he is 4'9" tall or weighs 80 pounds. Anyone know what the specifics are in Florida?

In Florida, there are no laws requiring booster seats. Children 3 and under are required to be in car seats. Children over 3 are required to use seat belts. That's it.

 

[taylor3297]

Child Safety Seats
Passengers under the age of five need to be secured in a government-approved child restraint or safety seat. Children under three years old must be seated in either an approved infant carrier or child safety seat.

If you're in the market for one, you can shop online for a child car seat at any time. When ordering, be sure the car seat matches your child's height, weight and age.

Note: Children should always be placed in the back seat, as it offers the most protection in a crash, and also avoids dangers associated with front-seat air bags.

This is from the Florida DMV website. Here in NC it is 8 years old or 80 pounds. My dd is 8 and she still needs a booster seat. I would bring the booster seat.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Thanks for the link. Florida is pretty lax when it comes to car seat/booster seat requirements!