High back booster

[Mishy1234]

I'm probably being really thick about this, but I was wondering about the safety of high back booster seats (non-isofix). DS1 has recently gone ff after being in an ERF seat (he's just over 4). We bought a Britax Evolva 123 Plus car seat, as we thought it would carry him right through. He's still way under 18kg, so will be using the harness for a long time yet. However, once he goes into the high back booster with the seatbelt, I'm a bit concerned about how safe it will be.

As the seat isn't isofix, it will basically be sitting loose underneath him in hbb mode. Won't this just be a weight behind him to propel him forwards with more force in the event of an accident? Also, are you supposed to fix the seat with the seatbelt when a child isn't in it? If you don't, isn't it just a loose missile if an accident should happen?

I'm wondering exactly the same thing (also have the evolva) and I'm thinking that when DS is over 18kg I will probably just change to a Rodi or similar. They're lighter and they have a tether than goes between the headreast and the seat to keep it in place.

You are supposed to belt the seat in when not in use, yes.

My two (8 and 10) have MC Rodi HBBs. We had an accident last year (front on collision, wrote off car). Kids did not move an inch in their seats. The seat belt tensioners worked like they are meant to and the only 'injuries' were a small bruise on each child's shoulder where the seat belt tightened on them. I was majorly impressed and replaced the seats with new Rodis through the insurance. My kids will be in HBBs until they are on the weight/height limit for them. And thankfully they now realise the importance of them!