New laws are coming into force this year regarding the use of booster seats.
Stricter rules will be coming into force later this year limiting the use of backless booster seats for older children.
The current UK law states that all children travelling in a car must use the correct car seat until 12 years old or 135cm (1.35m) tall. This compares to some European countries including France and Germany where the height limit is 150cm.
Under the new rules backless booster seats will only be approved for use by children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg (3st 6.5lbs).
At the moment children weighing as little as 15kg (2st 4lbs) which is around three years old, can travel in backless booster seats.
However, many child car seat experts agree that this type of booster seat is unsuitable for such young children.
Most believe that the backless booster seats offer no form of protection and all they do is act as a cushion to put the seat belt in the correct position on the child.
Some top tips on what to look for when choosing a car seat for your child are:
1. High back
2. Head protection
3. Shoulder protection
4. Red guides to feed seat belt through
5. Isofix fitting (this stops the seat swaying, fixing the seat to the vehicle)
6. Don’t be distracted by character design/colour
7. Avoid buying online, visit a retailer where expert advice can be given.
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, but safety experts recommend you use a child car seat for all children under 150cm (4ft 11in).
For children weighing more than 36kg (5st 10lb) but under 150cm (4ft 11in) it is advised to go by height.
Under the new rules, backless booster seats will only be approved for use for children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg.
Booster seats are not recommended by experts because they don’t offer protection in crashes.
The new regulations should come into effect in December 2016 but will only apply to any new products on the market.
It’s important to remember that it is the driver’s responsibility for children being in car seats while travelling.
