Once seat belts fit properly without a booster seat, use a seat belt on every trip. While high back booster seats are the more secure of the two, backless booster seats tend to be smaller and lighter, making them easier to travel with. Children aged 3 or more years old, and up to 135cm (approx 4ft 5in) tall, must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars or goods vehicles fitted with seat belts. However, if the vehicle seat belt is positioned incorrectly, across the abdomen for example, the forces generated during a crash will be transferred from the seatbelt to your child’s delicate vulnerable organs in the abdomen, causing potentially devastating injuries. Children from 22kg to 36kg. Whatever stage your little one is at, you always want to make sure they're safe when you're on the move. Rating 4.700369 out of 5 (369) £25.99. Compounding this issue is the fact that your child is not the correct size to be able to sit comfortably in a car seat designed for adults. Your child can legally start using a car booster seat once they reach 4 years old AND are at least 15 kgs in weight. It's now recommended that children stay in high back booster seats from 15kg and all the way up to the maximum 36kg (or 135cm) wherever possible. No room for a third child seat in the back of the car: If it’s not possible to fit a third car seat into the back seat of the car, a child over the age of 3 can sit in the rear – in the middle, between the 2 other car seats – using only an adult seat belt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrs4wbMs3ik, A child using a booster seat (BubbleBum Pink Chevron), US Patent No. When using a booster seat, make sure it has European Certification. The child uses the integral harness in the seat until they are 18 kg or 25 kg on some seats (check the seat's instruction manual) and then uses the car's seat belt as with other booster seats. The excess belt length created by this gap slackens the belt, meaning that, in the event of a crash the child is not held securely against the vehicle seat, and is likely to be forced under the seat belt. At what age can my child stop using a booster seat? When using a booster seat, make sure it has European Certification. When positioned correctly, in the event of a crash, the seat belt will transfer the force to the sturdy structures of the chest and pelvis, reducing the likelihood of debilitating or fatal internal injuries. Learn which type of booster seat is safest for your vehicle, proper seat installation and how to provide a good belt fit for the best crash protection. As your child grows, they will begin to look increasingly snug in their 5 point harness (that’s the one with the built in harness). Backless booster seats are an alternative option from 22kg, however high back models are a safer way for your child to travel as they're found to offer greater side impact protection and be more comfortable for long journeys. Please enable cookies in your web browser to improve your shopping experience, *Calls to 03 numbers from private phones (including mobiles) are charged at the local rate and are included as part of any inclusive call minutes provided by your phone operator. When your child reaches 15 months, their neck will be stronger and it’ll now be safe to mount their car seat facing forward. In the UK the law states that your child must be seated in an approved children’s car seat  until the age of twelve, or they reach a height of 135cms, whichever comes first. can be used and this certification will be indicated with a label showing a capital E, along with the code R129 or the code ECE R44. Showing 1 - 30 of 95 products. As an essential retailer our stores, garages and mobile experts remain open with continued safety measures in place. Some states are better about requiring a child to sit in a booster seat until it is safe not to do so than others. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Add to wishlist. Your child can legally start using a car booster seat once they reach 4 years old AND are at least 15 kgs in weight. Height-based seats are known as 'i-Size' seats. But when can they start using a booster seat? As you would expect, there are laws surrounding when a child can start using a booster seat; our simple explanation below will help you to know when the time is right. Once your child outgrows a forward-facing child safety seat, they are not quite grown enough to properly fit in a safety belt, and should use a belt-positioning booster seat until they are at least 4’9″ and between 8 and 12 years old. Booster seats can be simple, backless seats to help position your child to fit into the car's seatbelt. The ideal age for a child to make the move to a booster seat is five. Staying safe while we stay open - To compensate, and allow their legs to bend into a more comfortable position, children will often slouch forward in their seat. There are two types of suggestions when it comes to the age a child can travel without a booster seat: the legal age a child can do so and the age a child can do so safely. How using a booster seat positions your child’s seat belt to provide optimum protection in the event of a crash. Before this age or height they must do by law. Remember though that transitioning between car seats is not like the milestones from crawling to walking or cutting teeth. This is when your child’s proportions begin to closely resemble those of a small adult, meaning that the vehicle seat belt will be more likely to sit in the correct position across their chest and the bony pelvis to provide appropriate protection in the event of a crash. They can also accommodate a greater range of heights and weights, meaning a child can use a backless booster seat for a longer period of time without parents having to buy a new one. It’s always safest to keep your child in the car seat that’s most appropriate for your child’s size, regardless of … If you’re considering a booster seat for your toddler, there are some guidelines that you can refer to if you want to assess if your child is ready for the booster seat. UK law states that children must use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135cm/4ft 5in tall, whichever comes first. When used correctly these seats are the safest way for a child to travel by car, and therefore your children should use them for as long as possible, before transitioning to the next stage. Since 2017, any newly manufactured booster cushions are only approved for children who fall into Group 3 (from 22kg, approx. See the label from a BubbleBum booster seat on the right as an example. In the video below BubbleBum founder and CEO Grainne Kelly demonstrates how to properly secure a child using the BubbleBum booster seat. In the UK, only car seats or booster seats which are in line with EU regulations can be used and this certification will be indicated with a label showing a capital E, along with the code R129 or the code ECE R44. To use a backless booster, your child’s ears must come up to the vehicle seat. 5 Ways to Know Whether Your Child Should Still Be Using a Booster Seat More than a quarter of kids age 4 to 7 are transitioned too soon, according to a national survey By Emily A. Thomas, Ph.D. There are … Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old. Sign up to keep up-to-date on everything happening in the world of Halfords. However, the new regulation is designed to increase safety: your child will be safer in a high-backed booster seat compared with a backless booster. When your child cannot sit with their back against the seat and bend their knees naturally so that they hang over the seat, then they will need a booster seat. Existing booster cushions are still perfectly legal for children weighing 15kg and over, it's only new models manufactured since the new legislation came in that will be restricted to slightly older children. Children from 15kg to 25kg. 3. However, this is not as safe as sitting in a car seat, and therefore is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. Add to wishlist. Therefore, the safest option is for your child to sit in a high-backed booster seat for as long as … Children weighing more than 22kg and taller than 125cm can use a backless booster seat. Discover some crucial guidelines to avoid financial penalties in moving from an infant seat to a booster seat. What Age Can a Child Travel Without a Booster Seat Legally? The car seat backward law says that car seats must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. When can my child start using a car booster seat? Sort by. When used correctly a booster seat removes the tendency to slouch by letting the child’s legs bend in a more natural and comfortable way. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they're over 15 months old. Don't make the switch based solely on height or age. booster seats which are in line with EU regulations, the range of BubbleBum car booster seats here. These child car seats are approved for use with children from 15-36kg, which is around three and a half to 12 years of age (around 36kg, or 135cm tall). It is advised that children are kept in their 5 point harness seat for as long as possible, which means until they have reached the upper weight limit of the seat (you can find this information in the instruction manual). Toddler Booster Seat Dining, PU Washable 2 Straps Safety Buckle Kids Booster Seat for Dining Table, Portable Travel Increasing Cushion (Blue Dinosaur) 4.8 out of 5 stars 63 £23.99 £ 23 . Once a child surpasses 135cm (4’4”), they are allowed to travel without a booster seat in the front or back. Otherwise, they’ll need the extra support and protection a high-back booster provides. When used correctly a booster seat removes the tendency to slouch by letting the child’s legs bend in a more natural and comfortable way. Since 2017, guidelines on how long children should stay in high back booster seats have changed following safety concerns of backless models. Use a rear or forward facing child seat (high-backed booster or booster cushion) with a seat belt, harness or safety shield. Your browser's JavaScript functionality is turned off. You must check the seat to make sure it’s suitable for the height of your child. How to Use a Booster Seat - Video: In this video, Benjamin Hoffman, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and certified car seat technician, guides parents on how to properly use and install booster seats in your vehicle. A booster seat can be a good option for a toddler who wants to eat at the table like the rest of the family, but isn't tall or balanced enough to sit in a regular chair. It’s important to stress that your child should meet both the age and weight criteria before they can be moved over to a booster seat. Car seat law says all children should be in a car seat until they are 135cm in height or 12 years old, whichever comes first. This is usually not until at least age five. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs (not the stomach) and … Showing 1 - 30 of 95 products. Where can a child sit in the car? Free Car Check for NHS and Emergency Workers, Motorcycle Battery Chargers & Accessories. Munchkin Travel Child Booster Seat. child booster seat. Given the fact that seat belts fit some shorter adults incorrectly, it's not surprising that most kids need to use booster seats until at least age 8. Add to Trolley. 9 years old and/or 125cm). D672,996 International Patent No. Only children aged 12 or over or who are over 135cm (4'5") in height can stop using a booster seat. Filter. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids use a car seat until they reach the maximum height or weight for that five-point harness. You're probably well aware of laws around the safety standards of car seats and booster seats but we know it can be a bit of a minefield. Children under 3 years. We've combed through all the rules and regulations to give you the information you need to help you buy the best booster seat for your little one. There are also high back booster seats, which offer padded protection for a child's head and neck. and as you can imagine, the injuries caused to your child in this situation can be catastrophic. This series of events has become known as. If you have one of these already and it complies with current regulations (ECE R4/04 law), you can still use it legally, even if your child isn’t yet 125cm or 22kg. If you are using any booster seat, and your child weighs less than 40 pounds and is younger than 4 years old, CR recommends that you return your child to a forward-facing harness seat. Booster seats are mandatory by law in all states. Since 2017, any newly manufactured booster cushions are only approved for children who fall into Group 3 (from 22kg, approx. Children at this stage are not yet ready for adult safety belts, which are designed for 165-pound male adults. Now, there's one less thing to worry about! Of course, they must then use adult seatbelts or restraints when travelling in a vehicle. When they are within the range of 40-80 pounds, they need a booster seat. 9 years old and/or 125cm). It’s important to stress that your child should meet both the age and weight criteria before they can be moved over to a booster seat. Children aged from seven years old but under 16 years old who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened are strongly recommended to use an approved booster seat A children’s car booster is a seat belt positioning system, designed to position your child in a way that allows the seat belt to sit across the bony pelvis area, and the chest. Each step forward in children’s car seats is a step down in protection for your child, so it is always safer to keep your child in their infant seat and then their 5 point harness seat until they reach the upper weight limit of that seat. At what age or weight can a child use a booster seat? Group 1, 2 & 3 Combination Seat for toddlers and children from 9 to 36 kg (20 - … This is the legal requirement in Ireland and some other European countries, such as Germany and France. Kinderkraft Car Seat Comfort UP, Booster Child Seat, with 5 Point Harness, Adjustable Headrest, for Toddlers, Infant, Group 1/2/3, 9-36 Kg, Up to 12 Years, Safety Certificate ECE … Kids aren't ready to make the go from a booster seat to a seat belt until the lap and shoulder belts fit them properly. Children of 12 years old or taller than 135cm do not need to use a child seat. Children aged seven years and older must use a booster seat with an adult lap-sash seatbelt or child safety harness, or a standard seat with an adult seatbelt. The bigger they get, the more you might wonder, is it time for them to start using a booster seat yet? The car seat backward law says that car seats must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. 99 They must then use a seat belt (although it would be preferable to use a booster seat until they are 150cm (5') tall). Children aged between three and 12, or up to the height of 135cm (4’4”) in the UK and 150cm in Ireland (4’9”), must travel in a booster seat in the front or back of the car. Before you choose a booster seat, however, consider whether it offers the right support for your child and will work with your dining area and family eating habits. State laws also regulate child car seat usage. Crucially, this means that the seat belt strap is not falling off the shoulder, or riding upwards towards the soft tissue of the abdomen. The length of the base of the vehicle seat, combined with a slight slope towards the seat bight, means that your child’s legs are unable to bend at the knee whilst sitting in an upright position, with their back parallel to the back of the vehicle  seat. There's no need to swap to a Group 2/3 seat until your child has outgrown his or her toddler/Group 1 seat. A child aged 3 or older can travel in a back seat without a child car seat and without a seat belt if the vehicle doesn’t have one. This is extremely dangerous because it will cause a gap to open up between your child’s hips, and the back of the vehicle seat. Learn More. Must use an appropriate child restraint in the front or rear of a vehicle. Children no longer need to use a booster seat once seat belts fit them properly. This is when your child’s proportions begin to closely resemble those of a small adult, meaning that the vehicle seat belt will be more likely to, This is extremely dangerous because it will cause a gap to open up between your child’s hips, and the back of the vehicle seat. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they're over 15 months old. Please turn it on so that you experience this site's full capabilities. Use a rear or forward facing child seat (high-backed booster or booster cushion) with a seat belt, harness or safety shield. The idea of a car booster seat is that it raises your child up to a height where a three-point car seat belt can be used safely and effectively, so one of these really is a must - and we have a wide range of options from lots of top brands, including Cuggl and Trunki. Calls may be recorded for monitoring and quality purposes. In the video below BubbleBum founder and CEO Grainne Kelly demonstrates how to properly secure a child using the BubbleBum booster seat. All children under 3 years old must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car or goods vehicle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available). 2. PCT/EP2010/00191, © 2017 BubbleBum (UK) Ltd. All Rights Reserved, in an approved children’s car seat  until the age of twelve, or they reach a height of 135cms, whichever comes first. There are very few exceptions. The excess belt length created by this gap slackens the belt, meaning that, in the event of a crash the child is not held securely against the vehicle seat, and is likely to be forced under the seat belt. See the label from a BubbleBum booster seat on the right as an example. That typically won't happen until they're about 10 to 12 years old. This series of events has become known as ‘submarining’, and as you can imagine, the injuries caused to your child in this situation can be catastrophic. However, safety experts recommend that you use a child car seat for all children under 150cm/4ft 11in. This is what’s known as a high-back booster seat. Further details are available in our Privacy Policy. If they are between 4-8 years old, they may need a booster seat (or another type of car seat). Three-year-olds are not ready to ride in a booster seat, even if they fit within the manufacturer's height and weight guidelines. As an essential retailer our stores, garages and mobile experts remain open with continued safety measures in place. As long as you stick to the weight guide of your chosen car seat and buy from a reputable retailer, you can be sure that the model will have been tested appropriately with child safety ratings and will be approved for safe use for as long as recommended. Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. But many parents tend to buy a booster seat early. In short, you can feel reassured of car seat laws and the high safety standards placed on booster seats. The seat belt usually fits correctly without a booster when your child is 4 feet 9 inches tall. Add to wishlist.