According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, what is the correct recommendation for a 6-year-old who has outgrown a car seat?

The correct recommendation for a 6-year-old who has outgrown a car seat is to use a belt-positioning booster seat in the back. This guideline is based on safety considerations; booster seats help position the seatbelt properly across the child's body. A booster seat ensures that the lap belt lies low across the child's hips and the shoulder belt crosses the chest rather than the neck, minimizing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

At this age, children may not be tall enough for seatbelts alone to provide adequate protection, which is why transitioning to a booster seat is recommended. The use of a booster seat significantly enhances safety for children who do not yet fit properly in adult seat belts, ensuring they are secured in the vehicle in the safest manner possible.

Choices that suggest the child should sit in the front seat or without any booster seat do not take into account the developmental and safety needs of a child at this age. Additionally, remaining in a car seat with a harness may not be necessary for all children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats, but using a booster is still essential to ensure their safety while traveling.