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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to say the new booster seat law totally confuses me?

186 replies

CharlieDimmocksbosoms · 31/01/2017 18:11

Just that really. I know from April the law changes on what age/weight/height child can use a booster seat but can someone clearly explain it for me please?

OP posts:
BikeRunSki · 31/01/2017 18:13

I'm confused too.

SorrelSoup · 31/01/2017 18:17

Can you provide a link please? I'm just about to buy new seats Shock

LurkingQuietly · 31/01/2017 18:18

Oh god, watching with interest and hoping someone more intelligent than me wanders past.

NeedsAsockamnesty · 31/01/2017 18:18

Previously a 15kg 3yo could use a none backed booster seat the change means that a child under 125cms and something like 22kg will have to use a high backed booster instead.

GrandmaGotRunOverByAReindeer · 31/01/2017 18:18

Basically if you're going to buy boosters make them high back boosters I think

divafever99 · 31/01/2017 18:19

Watching with interest someone told me it only applies to new seats you are buying and you can continue to use existing ones but I'm not sure this is true.

SorrelSoup · 31/01/2017 18:19

Oh right. I thought it was high back booster seats all round now. I knew that! Relief!

NeedsAsockamnesty · 31/01/2017 18:20

So this is not suitable for a child under 125cms and 22kg

AIBU to say the new booster seat law totally confuses me?
NeedsAsockamnesty · 31/01/2017 18:20

That is at least assuming the kiddy care website is correct

wigglesrock · 31/01/2017 18:21

Yes its not applied retrospectively as far as I know - so backless booster seats will stop being manufactured and sold but existing ones can still be used.

mamalovebird · 31/01/2017 18:22

Under 125cm, booster seat needs to have a back support thingy.

125-135cm/12years old - plain (ie. non-backed) booster seat will do.

Quartz2208 · 31/01/2017 18:23

It's a change for manufacturers and sellers, so as from march you could not buy a backless booster for a child that does not meet the requirements so over 22kg and 125cm.

Any car seats you currently own are fine so in theory can still use them.

If you are buying ones now would buy high backed boosters.

mamalovebird · 31/01/2017 18:23

needs correct - not suitable for under 125cms. You will need a back support

StealthPolarBear · 31/01/2017 18:26

But if they're stopping doing the backless ones what will people with children who are 130cm use?

BikeRunSki · 31/01/2017 18:26

So - DS is 137 cm but only 8 years old. Does that mean he can travel without a car seat of any kind?

StealthPolarBear · 31/01/2017 18:27

I have a ds who is pretty much 135 and a dd who is pretty much 125. I know I can catry on with what I'm doing but what should I be using, by law?

BurnTheBlackSuit · 31/01/2017 18:27

Needs- those seats are all fine for the under 125cm/ under 22kg child provided you buy them before April. It's only seats BOUGHT after April which will be affected by the law. How they will know when you bought the booster cushion though is beyond me. I assume ones bought after April will just say "only for children over 125cm and 22kg".

However, in practice for safety all children under 150cm should be in a highback booster, irrespective of when you bought their seat.

CharlieDimmocksbosoms · 31/01/2017 18:27

Still a little confused. They are selling non back boosters in Halfords. Why if they can't be used come April? I'm not sure I know any self-respecting 12 year olds that would sit on one.

OP posts:
BurnTheBlackSuit · 31/01/2017 18:30

By law, if your child is over 135cm and/or 12 or over, you don't need any kind of a seat.

However, safety experts recommend you should use one until they are 150cm.

StealthPolarBear · 31/01/2017 18:32

So that law remains and dd who is say 126 would be expected to be in a high backed booster until 135?

Werkzallhourz · 31/01/2017 18:34

However, safety experts recommend you should use one until they are 150cm.

I find this mildly amusing as I am only 152cm myself. Grin

lionsleepstonight · 31/01/2017 18:38

If you have a non back booster you can use post April. You won't be able to buy one post April.

BurnTheBlackSuit · 31/01/2017 18:39

Stealth- no, just a booster cushion if she weighs over 22kg too.

SaucyDough · 31/01/2017 18:40

Children who are over 135 cm or 12 years old whichever comes first don't need a booster seat of any description. However, it is recommended that they still use one until they are 150 cm as is the norm in continental Europe.

WhoKn0wsWhereTheTimeG0es · 31/01/2017 18:42

My 147cm DC still fits in a high back booster, only uses it for longer journeys now though.

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