DENVER -- We all know the importance of putting kids in car seats. But some parents may not realize that many safety experts believe our state laws don't go far enough to protect children. One expert says it's time to take the message straight to the source.

That's where West Metro comes in. Their life safety specialists are measuring kids in their "tweens" who may think they're too big for a booster but will likely still need one to survive or prevent injuries from a crash.

"I never really thought about measuring him," said parent Tammi Lee Gold.

As it stands, legislation requires children in booster seats if they are 4 feet 7 inches. That's different than the safety recommendation of 4 feet 9 inches and 80 pounds.

The differing advice was an eye-opener for many parents who were already transporting their kids in seat belts alone.

"He's still got 2 inches to go before he can be out of his booster seat," one parent said.

Some parents didn't even want to talk to the safety experts. One mom even said it's ridiculous to put a 6-year-old in a booster.

One mom, who has a 6- and 7-year-old, disagreed.

"They're both short and small and if you put them in without the booster seat, like I have, the seat belt hits them in the face," she said.

West Metro is so passionate about this booster seat safety effort that they gave some families a seat to ride home in, on the spot.

So here's the message: height and weight mean more than age. Experts advise parents to go with the safety recommendations and don't just rely on the law to protect your children.