Strict new laws limiting the use of backless booster seats for older children are on their way in.
The current law in the UK states all children travelling in a car must use the correct car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cms tall, whichever comes first.
However, under the new rules, backless booster seats - also known as booster cushions - will only be approved for children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg (3st 6.5lbs).
Currently, children weighing as little as 15kg (2st 4lbs) - around three years old - can travel in backless booster seats.
In comparison, some European countries such as France and Germany have a height limit of 150cms.
Many child car seat experts have agreed this type of booster seat is unsuitable for children so young.
Gary Watts, who owns family-run business W H Watt & Son, feels so strongly about backless booster seats he hasn’t stocked them in his shop for 10 years, prior to the 2006 legislation change.
“All decent manufacturers don’t use booster seats," he said.
"All a booster seat does is put the lap belt in the correct place, it offers no protection.
"It’s pretty much the same as putting a cushion in the car."
When it comes to an accident, he added: “High-backed seats protect the head in a crash; on a booster seat the child’s head won’t stop until it hits the side of the car.
“They’re miles safer. The shoulder protection keeps them in the right position.”
He advises parents that children should progress from a seat suitable for children weighing 9-18kg, with a harness, into a high-backed booster seat until they are 150cm - equivalent to about age 11-12.
“Isofix ones - which fix the seat to the vehicle - are more expensive but you can buy one that will last from age 4 to 11 for about £80,” he said.
“But when you weigh it up, it’s a no-brainer.”
Watch how to fit your child's car seat correctly
Seven top tips for choosing a car seat
Watts’ top tips on what to look for when choosing a car seat for your child:
- High back
- Head protection
- Shoulder protection
- Red guides to feed seat belt through
- Isofix fitting (this stops the seat “swaying”, fixing the seat to the vehicle)
- Don’t be distracted by character design/colour
Avoid buying online, visit a retailer where expert advice can be given
What is the new law?
At the moment the UK law states all children must use a child car seat until the age of 12 or until they are 135cm tall, whichever happens first.
However safety experts recommend using a child car seat for all children under 150cms tall.
If a child weighs more than 36kg (5st 10lb) but under 150cm (4ft 11in), the advice is to go by height.
The driver always bears responsibility for children being in car seats when travelling.
When does the law change?
The booster seat law change is due soon.
The new stricter rules come into force in March 2017.
This means only children over 125cms tall and weighing more than 22kg can travel in a car with a backless booster cushion.
This is simply because this type of car seat offers much less protection in a crash.
Children must be in an appropriate child car seat until they are either 135cm in height or aged 12.
After this they must then use an adult seatbelt.
This is according to the new rules.
Can I still use my booster seat?
Under the new law, backless booster seats can only be used for children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg.
Experts including Which? and W H Watts & Son do not recommend booster seats as they do not offer protection in crashes.
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