As your child gets older and transitions into a high-back booster seat, the way the vehicle’s seatbelt is routed becomes one of the most important safety considerations. That’s why our fifth tip for Child Safety Week is all about making sure the seatbelt fits — and functions — exactly as it should.
Why seatbelt routing matters
Booster seats are designed to lift your child up so that the adult seatbelt fits their body safely. But this only works if the belt is positioned correctly. Incorrect seatbelt placement can increase the risk of injury in a crash — particularly to the neck, abdomen, or internal organs.
What to look for
- The shoulder belt should lie flat across the middle of your child’s shoulder and chest — never cutting into the neck or slipping off the edge of the shoulder.
- The lap belt should sit low across the top of the thighs or hips — not riding up onto the soft abdomen.
- The belt should never be twisted or slack — it should be snug and straight at all times.
Use the belt guides — they’re there for a reason!
High-back booster seats come with red or green belt guides designed to help position the seatbelt correctly. These guides:
- Keep the shoulder belt from slipping off
- Help route the lap belt low over the hips
- Support proper belt geometry for your child’s height
Take a moment during every journey to make sure the belt is routed through the correct guides and still fits well as your child grows.
Common mistakes we see
- Shoulder belt positioned too close to the neck or arm
- Lap belt riding up onto the stomach
- Seatbelt routed under the arm or behind the back
- Booster seat used before your child is ready
- Belt guides not being used properly or not at all!
- Headrest too high or too low
Not sure if your booster fits correctly?
We can help! Send us a photo of your child in their seat, and we’ll happily check positioning and offer advice.
Belt fit is essential — and when it’s done right, it’s one of the easiest ways to keep older children protected on every journey.
Want to learn more?
If you’d like to learn more about booster seats — when to use them and when to stop — visit our helpful guide: 👉 https://carseatninja.com/blogs/info/booster-seats