Talk to me about booster seats?

[ScatteredMama82]

My DS1 is 9 (10 in October). He's 31kg and 140cm. He is currently in a high-backed booster but he says it is getting uncomfortable (actually I think he is embarrassed by it - most of his friends now have no car seat at all, or some have booster cushions). I'm torn, I think I should keep him safe in the HBB as long as possible but I really do seem to be in the minority here. Can I ask what you do with similar aged children?

I always thought that once they were 135cm they were fine without a booster seat.

As above, at 140cm he doesn't need any kind of seat. Is he actually safe in his current seat? I thought high back boosters generally went to 25kg (although I'm sure there are exceptions!). Not surprised he's uncomfortable though, sounds like he's a bit too tall and heavy to be in one really.

I think with your sons height he doesn't need one any more?

I've been wondering the same for my 7 year old DD. She does not meet the height requirement to not need a booster any yet. But now she's getting bigger I'm sometimes struggling to see over the top or her booster when looking through the rear view. I can't seem to work out what height they can go on a backless booster, anyone know?

Although I suppose thinking about it she'd be around the same height anyway with a backless booster...maybe I am just too short 😂

Only need a car seat/booster up to 135 cm so your DS is very likely uncomfortable as it is not designed for children of his size. My 9 and 10 year old both no longer use them.

Does he meet the 5 step test?

If he does, then no booster is needed. If he doesn't then he at least needs a booster cushion.

It's not about what is legal, but about what is safe.

And yes, there are adults who don't meet the 5 step test, but adult skeletons are different to children's.

In the UK the height criteria is 135cm. In Ireland (and I believe mainland Europe), kids. Need a booster until 150cm so most seats are suitable until this height.

@Hmmmbop thank you - that 5 step test is really useful! He meets 4 of thetm but in my car the height of the seatbelt isn't adjustable so it sits on his neck not his shoulder. I'll get a booster cushion to use for a while until he is tall enough for the seatbelt. Thanks so much again :)

@bringthethunder the HBB he is in is for up to 36kg/12 years

I don't think you can buy booster cushions anymore.
I have a similar predicament with my 8 year old. He's 140m but doesn't pass the 5 step test. The seatbelt goes across his stomach and across his neck. If he sits in his HBB in the rear of our 7 seater then he falls over in it when we go round a corner, it seems too heavy.

My nine year has the old fashioned boaster seat with no back for correct seat belt placement. He is same height / weight.

@notso you can buy them - have a look on the Halfords website if you are in UK

notso you can. They are still legal. Any approved and manufactured under the old legislation remain legal to be sold for children over 15kg and 3years. Any newly released booster cushions come under the new regulations and can only be advertised/ used for children over 22kg regardless of age.

My 10 yr old, 30kg, 142cm doesn't meet the 5 step test. He's in a HBB.