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Original poster

I need help

5 replies

Ladybugheart · 18/10/2025 10:01

I've just purchased a Graco Energi i-size R129

My child is 6 years old and 103 cm so has met the height limit for moving to booster mode, but she is really far off the weight at only 14kg, harness mode is for under 22kg.

Should she stay in harness mode? She seems so small for a seatbelt but is it unsafe to stay in harness mode once she reaches the limit of 105cm?

Thanks

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FamilyAreEverything · 18/10/2025 11:43

Hi,
So you can use the harness until she reaches 105cm or 22kg, whichever comes first. After that, you must convert it to HBB mode and use the 3point car seat belt. The seat is only tested to a height limit of 105cm, so in theory it isn’t safe to continue to use beyond the height limit. You must also ensure you use both the isofix and top tether attachment when using the harness mode in this seat.

What has prompted the move to this seat? What seat was she in before? A dedicated HBB rather than a multistage seat may offer an improved fit and therefore safety for her going forward.

Original poster
Ladybugheart · 18/10/2025 19:51

FamilyAreEverything · 18/10/2025 11:43

Hi,
So you can use the harness until she reaches 105cm or 22kg, whichever comes first. After that, you must convert it to HBB mode and use the 3point car seat belt. The seat is only tested to a height limit of 105cm, so in theory it isn’t safe to continue to use beyond the height limit. You must also ensure you use both the isofix and top tether attachment when using the harness mode in this seat.

What has prompted the move to this seat? What seat was she in before? A dedicated HBB rather than a multistage seat may offer an improved fit and therefore safety for her going forward.

Thank you for your advice. She just seems sooo small for just a seatbelt. It's a new seat for a new car, I didn't have a car before.

OP posts:
BertieBotts · 18/10/2025 21:09

At 6 years old she will be OK to use the seatbelt when she gets to 105cm. It's likely she'll be closer to 15kg by then as well which is the usual recommended minimum to switch to seatbelt mode.

Alternatively the manual for the Graco Energi does seem to suggest that it's OK to keep using the harness if the child is under 22kg and their shoulders still fit under the headrest.

This is from their website, under the FAQ section:

Your child can stay in harness booster mode as long as their shoulders comfortably fit when the harness is at its highest setting.

Yes, do always ensure you are using the top tether when it's in harness mode. The top tether isn't necessary when you move to high back booster mode, but the isofix is worth using.

https://gracobaby.eu/uk/energi-i-size-r129-2-in-1-harness-booster-isofix-top-tether

Original poster
Ladybugheart · 19/10/2025 05:25

BertieBotts · 18/10/2025 21:09

At 6 years old she will be OK to use the seatbelt when she gets to 105cm. It's likely she'll be closer to 15kg by then as well which is the usual recommended minimum to switch to seatbelt mode.

Alternatively the manual for the Graco Energi does seem to suggest that it's OK to keep using the harness if the child is under 22kg and their shoulders still fit under the headrest.

This is from their website, under the FAQ section:

Your child can stay in harness booster mode as long as their shoulders comfortably fit when the harness is at its highest setting.

Yes, do always ensure you are using the top tether when it's in harness mode. The top tether isn't necessary when you move to high back booster mode, but the isofix is worth using.

https://gracobaby.eu/uk/energi-i-size-r129-2-in-1-harness-booster-isofix-top-tether

Edited

Thank you. I hadn't seen that bit of advise in the small information leaflet that came with the seat, didn't think to check the online manual. She is very comfy in the seat so just want to make sure she is safe. She is v v small for 6 years old.

OP posts:
Rowen32 · 19/10/2025 07:57

If she's very small for her age could you get something like an Axkid Minikid?

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