What should be done with a child safety seat when the child outgrows it?

When a child outgrows a safety seat, the appropriate action is to transfer them to a booster seat. A booster seat is designed to elevate the child so that the vehicle's seat belt fits properly over the strongest parts of their body. This ensures that the child is safely restrained in the event of a crash.

Using a booster seat is crucial for maintaining safety standards as children grow, as it protects them by positioning the seat belt correctly across their shoulder and lap. It's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the weight and height limits for each seat to ensure optimal safety before transitioning to the next stage of car safety.

While keeping a safety seat for backup or discarding it may seem like viable options, they do not directly address the safety requirements of an outgrowing child. Continuing to use a seat until it breaks is unsafe and disregards the need for proper protection based on the child's size and weight. Therefore, transitioning to a booster seat is the best practice for ensuring ongoing safety in a vehicle as children grow.