booster seat

14kg to 26kg
(4 years to at least 7 years)
Around 100cm to 145cm

Based on the age and weight you entered, your child should be restrained in a booster seat. The Victorian Road Rules require that all children between 4 years and under 7 years must use a child car seat or a booster seat. If, however, your child is too tall for this restraint (taller than about 145 centimetres), there is a provision in the legislation to move a child into an adult seat belt, and you may want to seek the advice of a professional child restraint fitter.

Research has shown that parents often move their child into an adult seat belt before they are ready, greatly increasing the risk of a serious injury. Compared with children in dedicated restraints, children in adult seat belts are 3.5 times more likely to sustain a significant injury. It is highly important that children up to at least 7 years of age, or up to about 145cm tall are restrained in booster seats.

Booster seats are designed for a child who has outgrown a car seat, and uses a car’s lap/sash belt. It is important that the sash part must cross your child’s shoulder and not run across their neck. Most booster seats come with a sash guide to guide the seat belt into the right position. If a booster seat is used with only a rear centre lap belt, it must be used in conjunction with a child harness. DO NOT use a booster seat with a lap only belt.

A booster seat will offer the best protection for a child until the child's eyes are level with the top of the back seat. Some booster seats have adjustable head rests to accommodate children as they grow taller. Children should use a booster seat until they are about 145cm tall. DO NOT move your child out of a booster seat too early.

There are three types of booster seats available:

booster seats with a back – these offer more protection than one without a back and some offer more head support for a sleeping child
child car seat/booster seat combinations – these can be used as a car seat until the child reaches 18kg, then the harness straps can be tucked away inside the seat and it becomes a booster with a lap/sash belt.
booster cushions – RACV does not recommend these as they have no back and offer less protection in a crash than the other two types with back support.

Tips for buying the safest booster seat:

Select a booster with a back and side wings (not a booster cushion) because it offers more protection in a crash. These boosters also contain the child’s head while they sleep
Purchase a booster with a top tether where possible, as this helps to secure the booster in the vehicle.
Ensure that the booster has a seat belt guide so that the sash passes over the child’s shoulder and does not cut into their neck
Ensure that the seat belt rests against the child and that a gap does not exist between the child’s torso and the seat belt.
To prevent a child from clipping under the seatbelt in a crash (sometimes called submarining), some booster seats use a clip attached to the lap part of the seat belt, and some use the design of the base of the seat itself.

restraint safety tips

Check the seat belt is taut and firm, and is crossing the child’s shoulder and not their neck, every time the restraint is used.
Ensure that the seat belt rests against the child and that a gap does not exist between the child’s torso and the seat belt.
Make sure your child knows not to play with the seat belt or to undo it without permission.

further information

Learn about the laws and standards on child restraints. Click here for further information.
For advice on fitting the restraint correctly see: Fit the restraint correctly or RACV members can contact the Motoring Advisory Line on (03) 9790 2190 for free motoring advice
Tips on how to use the restraint correctly
Download RACV’s latest Child Restraint Evaluation Program results
Tips on encouraging your child to stay in their booster

Road safety Decade of Action School programs Child safety Sesame Street Child restraints Choose a suitable vehicle Types of restraints Fit the restraint correctly Use the restraint correctly Child restraint evaluation program (CREP) The law and standards on child restraints Why stay in a booster Wearing seat belts while pregnant Restraint hire schemes Faqs Links Walking safely Driveway safety Travelling safely Children and traffic Cycling safety Road safety for seniors Advice & information The P Drivers Project Drive school Roads & traffic Vehicle safety Safety products Public transport	Road safety home / Road safety / Child safety / Child restraints booster seat 14kg to 26kg (4 years to at least 7 years) Around 100cm to 145cm Based on the age and weight you entered, your child should be restrained in a booster seat. The Victorian Road Rules require that all children between 4 years and under 7 years must use a child car seat or a booster seat. If, however, your child is too tall for this restraint (taller than about 145 centimetres), there is a provision in the legislation to move a child into an adult seat belt, and you may want to seek the advice of a professional child restraint fitter. Research has shown that parents often move their child into an adult seat belt before they are ready, greatly increasing the risk of a serious injury. Compared with children in dedicated restraints, children in adult seat belts are 3.5 times more likely to sustain a significant injury. It is highly important that children up to at least 7 years of age, or up to about 145cm tall are restrained in booster seats. Booster seats are designed for a child who has outgrown a car seat, and uses a car’s lap/sash belt. It is important that the sash part must cross your child’s shoulder and not run across their neck. Most booster seats come with a sash guide to guide the seat belt into the right position. If a booster seat is used with only a rear centre lap belt, it must be used in conjunction with a child harness. DO NOT use a booster seat with a lap only belt. A booster seat will offer the best protection for a child until the child's eyes are level with the top of the back seat. Some booster seats have adjustable head rests to accommodate children as they grow taller. Children should use a booster seat until they are about 145cm tall. DO NOT move your child out of a booster seat too early. There are three types of booster seats available: booster seats with a back – these offer more protection than one without a back and some offer more head support for a sleeping child child car seat/booster seat combinations – these can be used as a car seat until the child reaches 18kg, then the harness straps can be tucked away inside the seat and it becomes a booster with a lap/sash belt. booster cushions – RACV does not recommend these as they have no back and offer less protection in a crash than the other two types with back support. Tips for buying the safest booster seat: Select a booster with a back and side wings (not a booster cushion) because it offers more protection in a crash. These boosters also contain the child’s head while they sleep Purchase a booster with a top tether where possible, as this helps to secure the booster in the vehicle. Ensure that the booster has a seat belt guide so that the sash passes over the child’s shoulder and does not cut into their neck Ensure that the seat belt rests against the child and that a gap does not exist between the child’s torso and the seat belt. To prevent a child from clipping under the seatbelt in a crash (sometimes called submarining), some booster seats use a clip attached to the lap part of the seat belt, and some use the design of the base of the seat itself. restraint safety tips Check the seat belt is taut and firm, and is crossing the child’s shoulder and not their neck, every time the restraint is used. Ensure that the seat belt rests against the child and that a gap does not exist between the child’s torso and the seat belt. Make sure your child knows not to play with the seat belt or to undo it without permission. further information Learn about the laws and standards on child restraints. Click here for further information. For advice on fitting the restraint correctly see: Fit the restraint correctly or RACV members can contact the Motoring Advisory Line on (03) 9790 2190 for free motoring advice Tips on how to use the restraint correctly Download RACV’s latest Child Restraint Evaluation Program results Tips on encouraging your child to stay in their booster share this page: Facebook Digg Del.icio.us Reddit

Road safety

booster seat

restraint safety tips

further information