Are booster "half" seats safe for 8 year olds for every day use?

[Woolfiemum]

I have 8 yr old twins who complain daily that their boosters with backs are babyish and too small, although with the back extended, I think they are fine. My husband did some research and thinks that at their age they should definitely have the ones with backs but one is broken and needs replacing, I"m not sure what to do... it does seem that everyone else in their class has just the half ones... any opinions please? thanks

[TruthSweet]

Backless boosters (aka booster cushions) don't provide any side impact protection where as high back boosters do. If your DSs are under 150cm they would be safer with a high back booster than a booster cushion.

What height/weight are they now?

[Hulababy]

How tall is your child?

The recommended height for a car seat is 135cm in the UK. DD is taller than this at 9y and she has a booster cushion int he car as it is more comfortable in terms of a seat belt over her neck. Boosters just raise the child up, they offer no further impact protection.

For longer journeys DD still chooses a high back booster if we can fit manage it as she finds them more comfortable, especially if she is likely to sleep in the car.

[Woolfiemum]

Thanks, I'll measure them! One is quite a bit taller than the other though and all hell would break loose if one had a backless booster and the other didn't...

[sazm]

i wouldnt use just a booster til they are a bit older, at 8yo they are probably old enough to be shown a crash test video on you tube?? (maybe you feel not, but i would be happy to show my 5yo and 6yo though)that way they would see why they are better in a high backed booster rather than a basic booster which offers no protection at all in the event of an accident.

[Woolfiemum]

Good point. Thanks x