davieG Posted 16 January 2017 Share Posted 16 January 2017 New rules are coming into place limiting the use of backless booster seats for older children. The law currently states that all children travelling in a car must use the correct car seat until they are either 135cm tall or 12-years-old. In some European countries, including Germany and France, the height limit is 150cm. Under the new rules, backless booster seats will only be approved for children taller than 125cm who weigh more than 3st 6.5lbs (22kg). Children around three-years-old or who weigh as little as 2st 4lbs (15kg) currently can travel in backless booster seats. However, child seat experts have said that this type of booster seat is unsuitable for young children. Read more: Police warning after drivers fail child car seat safety checks Gary Watts, who owns W H Watt & So, feels so strongly about backless booster seats he does not stock them in his shop. He said: "I've not sold booster seats for ten years. "All decent manufacturers don't use booster seats. 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. "We stopped selling booster seats prior to the 2006 legislation change. "A lot of children were not in any kind of seat so at the time it was better for them to have a booster seat but it's something we would never advise anyone to buy. "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." His advice to parents was that children should progress from a 9-18 kg seat with a harness to a high-backed booster seat until they are aged 11 to 12 – or 150cm tall. When does the law change? The law is due to change soon. The new regulations could come into force in March, and it could see only children taller than 125cm who weighing over 22kg being able to travel in a car on a backless booster cushion. This is because a backless car seat offers much less protection in the event of a collision. Children must also be in an appropriate child car set until they are either 135cm in height or 12 years old. After this they must then use an adult seatbelt, according to the new rules. How do I choose a car seat - 7 top tips 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? The law states that children must use a child car seat until they are either 135cm (4ft 5in) tall or 12-years-old. However, child car seat experts recommend you use a child car seat for all children under 150cm (4ft 11in). If a child weighs over 36kg but are under 150cm – it is advised that you go by height. It is the driver's responsibility for children being in car seats while travelling. Can I still use my booster seat? Under the new rules, backless booster seats will only be approved for use for children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg. Booster seats are not recommended by experts including Which? or W H Watts & Son because they don't offer protection in crashes. Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/child-car-seats-what-you-need-to-know-about-changes-to-law/story-30061182-detail/story.html#DXgYKz8IEI1TdYgw.99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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