So When Should a Child Stop Using a Booster Seat? Let Us Clear Things Up

December 13, 2018

In this recap of what mom shamers have to say today, the saga continues with "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kim Zolciak-Biermann who is being shamed for a pic of her 6-year-old sitting in a booster seat. When Zolciak-Biermann posted a photo of her son, Kash, on Instagram riding in the back seat, critics immediately took action claiming he's too big for his car seat.

But is he really?

Despite what many people are thinking, Zolciak-Biermann is actually following booster seat age regulations set up to protect children if an accident were to ever occur.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “[Children] should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder seat belt fit properly. This is often when they have reached at least 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years old.”

So while we can't confirm the specific height and weight requirements of Kash's seat in particular, it's pretty safe to assume that a 6-year-old boy should still be in a booster seat. Of course, skeptics couldn’t help but share their thoughts on the matter despite these safety facts (and the fact that no one was asking):

“WHY is HE in a booster seat, he Is [too] big for it,” wrote peachesup. “He's too big for a booster seat, keyword 'booster' is when the child needs a boost... this child can see over the dashboard,” wrote puddiekatt.

But, Zolciak-Biermann had some true fans — and informed parents — come to her defense:

“As an EMS provider, Paramedic, she is correct in keeping him in the booster. The lap belt and shoulder strap are accurately in place in relation to his torso. Too many people are unaware of the proper guidelines for child seat belt safety. It is based on proper placement of the seat belt, not age,” wrote superveganmedicmom.

“My daughter is 10 and still sits in a booster. She doesn’t weigh enough to legally, or safely sit in the seat. Good for you for being safe,” wrote shannonrose_bar.

“What a handsome boy! Love that he is in the appropriate seat for his age - good job Mama! Shoot my daughter just turned 6 & I only switched her out of 5-point harness a couple months ago☺️ I’d put her in bubble wrap if I could lol,” wrote ndennybrown.

Moral of the story? All the nay-sayers should really think before they shame. It would even benefit them to learn from Zolciak-Biermann’s parenting skills because she is doing what is right to keep her son safe. Isn’t sad how one scroll through these comments could have you thinking otherwise?