As a parent, one of the most frequently asked questions I get from other moms and dads is, "Should a 5 year old be in a booster seat?" At first, I thought turning five meant graduating to the big kid seat. But through research, trial and error, and expert recommendations, I discovered the answer isn’t so simple.
Over the years, I’ve learned that transitions in a child’s development—whether it’s sleeping in a big kid bed or switching to a booster seat—are more about readiness than age. Safety, comfort, and even a child’s personality all play roles in making these decisions.
Why I Asked Myself, Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat?
When my son turned five, I found myself re-evaluating his car seat. He had outgrown his forward-facing seat in height, and I figured it might be time for a booster. However, I didn't want to make the move too soon and compromise his safety. So, I dove deep into the guidelines, consulted pediatricians, and spoke with other parents.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat for Long Car Rides?
When we took our first road trip after switching my son to a booster seat, I quickly realized he wasn’t ready. He slouched, tried to reach for things, and occasionally unbuckled himself. That made me nervous.
Even if your child is legally allowed to be in a booster, long trips test their ability to stay in the correct position. If they can’t manage that, a 5-point harness is still safer.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat if They’re Very Small?
I had to pause and think about this when it came to my daughter. At five, she was much smaller than my son at the same age. While technically she met the age minimum, she still comfortably fit in her forward-facing seat and lacked the maturity to sit still for long rides.
This is why experts emphasize that age alone shouldn't be the only deciding factor. Size and behavior matter just as much.
How Maturity Plays a Role in "Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat?"
This was probably the biggest factor for me. Is your 5-year-old able to sit upright, not wiggle out of the seatbelt, and follow safety instructions?
My son was mature enough at 5—my daughter wasn't. No shame in that. Readiness differs from child to child.
Some parents overlook the behavioral aspect. A booster seat requires a child to sit still and not lean forward or slide around during the ride. That might be a big ask for a very active or fidgety child, even if they’re technically old enough.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat in Carpool Situations?
I had a neighbor who often offered to take my son along for school runs. But their car didn’t have an extra 5-point harness. This is where booster seats are convenient. A portable, lightweight booster like the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster came in handy.
It inflated quickly, fit in a tote bag, and had belt guides that helped with correct seatbelt positioning. While I wouldn't use it daily, it was perfect for carpools and travel.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat Even If They Don’t Like It?
Ah yes, the classic "I want to sit like a big kid" protest. My son said this often. I explained to him that the booster was because he was growing up and that it was a step closer to sitting like mom and dad.
To make it fun, I let him pick a seat with cool colors and cup holders. Giving him ownership helped ease the transition.
Consistency helped too. We set the expectation that the booster seat wasn’t optional, just like seatbelts aren’t optional for adults. Over time, he got used to it—and even started reminding others to buckle up.
What the Experts Say About "Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat?"
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children remain in a forward-facing seat with a harness for as long as possible, typically until they reach the top height or weight limit of that seat. Once that limit is reached, a booster seat becomes the next step. For most kids, this is around age 5 to 7.
So technically, yes, a 5 year old can be in a booster seat if they meet the weight and height requirements and can sit properly the entire ride without slouching or leaning forward.
It’s also worth noting that readiness can be reviewed regularly. Kids grow fast—what didn’t work last month might work well now. Regular reassessments ensure safety isn’t compromised.
Features I Looked for When Deciding: Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat?
I started comparing booster seat features. I wanted side-impact protection, adjustable headrests, and good reviews from other parents. One product that stood out was the Graco TurboBooster Highback Booster. It had safety features that gave me peace of mind, plus cup holders (which my son thought were awesome).
The seat was also easy to install and convert into a backless booster later on. It seemed like a worthy investment.
Other considerations included machine-washable covers, how much space it took up in the back seat, and whether it was comfortable for naps—since kids doze off often on longer rides.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat in All States?
Laws vary by state, and that’s where things got confusing. Some states mandate booster seats until age 8, while others are more relaxed. It made me realize that while legal guidelines matter, it’s more important to focus on safety and readiness than the bare minimum legal requirements.
So I chose to keep my daughter in a forward-facing seat a bit longer, despite our state allowing boosters at age 5.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat If They Have Special Needs?
This is a very personal consideration. If your child has mobility issues, low muscle tone, or developmental delays, the standard transition timeline may not apply.
For friends of mine with special needs children, extended use of a forward-facing harnessed seat was often recommended. Always consult with a pediatrician or occupational therapist in these cases.
There are also specialized booster seats available that offer more support and customization for unique needs.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat in Taxis and Rideshares?
Living in a city, we often take Uber or Grab rides. Most don’t have car seats available. For these quick rides, I started carrying the mifold Comfort Booster Seat. It's compact, fits in my handbag, and meets safety standards for occasional use.
Again, this isn’t a substitute for a harness seat, but it's better than no seat at all in a pinch.
More cities are beginning to require child restraint systems in rideshares, but it’s still inconsistent. Parents need to plan ahead—especially when traveling.
Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat If They're Over the Height/Weight Limit?
This is when a booster is mandatory. Once your child outgrows the harness seat limits—usually around 65 lbs or 49 inches—it’s time to upgrade. My son hit this limit a little after turning five, and it became necessary to switch.
I made sure his new booster aligned the seatbelt correctly over his collarbone and thighs, not his neck or stomach.
Product Review Conclusion: Should a 5 Year Old Be in a Booster Seat?
So, after all the research, real-life tests, and countless conversations, what's my final take on "Should a 5 year old be in a booster seat?"
Yes—but only if they're ready. Not just in age, but in size, behavior, and maturity. Choosing the right booster makes a huge difference. I personally recommend:
- Graco TurboBooster Highback Booster — Reliable, comfortable, with top safety features. Great for everyday use.
- BubbleBum Inflatable Booster — Super handy for carpools, travel, or backup options.
- mifold Comfort Booster Seat — Ultra-portable for taxi or rideshare emergencies.
Ultimately, every child is unique. Don’t rush the transition. The safest seat is the one your child fits in properly and uses correctly every single ride.
Parenting comes with many gray areas, but safety shouldn’t be one of them. Trust your instincts, stay informed, and always buckle up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a 5 year old legally ride without a booster seat?A: It depends on your state or country. Some areas allow it, but most recommend using a booster until age 8 or until the seatbelt fits properly.
Q: How do I know if my 5 year old is ready for a booster seat?A: They should meet the height and weight limits for a booster, and be mature enough to sit still without leaning or slouching.
Q: What kind of booster seat is best for travel or carpools?A: Inflatable or compact boosters like the BubbleBum or mifold are great for occasional use and travel.
Q: Is a high-back booster safer than a backless one?A: High-back boosters offer better side impact protection and help position the seatbelt properly, especially if your vehicle has low seat backs.
Q: Can my child use a booster seat with just a lap belt?A: No. Booster seats should only be used with both lap and shoulder belts to ensure proper safety and fit.
Q: What’s the 5-step test for booster seat readiness?A: This simple test checks if the seatbelt fits properly: 1) Back against the seat, 2) Knees bend at the edge, 3) Belt crosses shoulder and chest, 4) Lap belt sits on hips, 5) Stays seated like this for the whole trip. If they pass all five, they might be ready to move on.