Car Booster Seats: Age, Size, Mandatory? Everything You Need to Know!

At what age should a child transition from a car seat to a booster seat? This essential and mandatory accessory for children up to about 10 years old should be selected based on the child’s height and weight. Typically, when a child’s shoulders exceed the top position of the harness, it’s time to switch to a booster seat. There are various models available, but they are not all equal. Here’s how to properly choose a booster seat for your child.

What is a Booster Seat and What is its Purpose?

A booster seat ensures a child’s safety in a vehicle. Essentially, it raises the child to an appropriate height so that the seatbelt can effectively protect them in the event of a crash.

When Can My Child Start Using a Booster Seat in the Car?

Generally, a child can start using a booster seat in the car between the ages of 3 and 4 years old. However, age is not the only factor to consider. The transition to a booster seat depends more on the child’s size and weight, as children of the same age can vary significantly in body shape and size.

What Height Must a Child Be to Use a Booster Seat?

Road safety experts recommend transitioning to a booster seat when a child is between 1 meter and 1.50 meters tall. Typically, the booster seat replaces the car seat when the child’s shoulders exceed the highest position of the car seat’s built-in harness.

When Can My Child Simply Use a Seatbelt?

From about 10 years old, if the child’s body shape is suitable, they can be secured with just a seatbelt. They may sit in the front or back of the car. However, it is advisable to keep using the booster seat until the age of 11-12 years for safety. An exemption from using a seatbelt is only possible for medical reasons (body shape unsuitable for using a seatbelt or a medical certificate of exemption).

Is a Booster Seat Mandatory in the Car, and What Does the Law Say?

The law specifies that an approved child restraint system is mandatory from 0 to 10 years old and that there are 5 groups of restraint devices. Booster seats are allowed from group 2 for children weighing 15 to 25 kg, and group 3 for those weighing 22 to 36 kg, and are only suitable for children under 1.50 m tall. Note that a driver who fails to comply with these requirements can be fined up to 750 euros. Usually, it’s a standard fine of 135 euros.

Which Booster Seat Model Should I Choose for My Child?

Selecting a booster seat for your child requires checking certain criteria. Whether with or without a back, the booster must comply with the current safety and quality standards in the United States, namely:

• The R129 or i-Size standard categorizes devices based on the child’s height. Booster seats with this standard are suitable for children between 1 m and 1.50 m tall. Additionally, all i-Size seats must have the Isofix secure attachment system, which has been mandatory in new vehicles since 2011, and include a backrest.
• The R44/04 standard (group 2 and 3) takes into account the child’s weight. Booster seats that meet this standard are designed for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg.

Furthermore, it’s important to ensure that the booster seat is suitable for your child’s body shape, height, and weight. Experts also advise against opting for a used booster seat model as it may be worn out and safety features could be compromised. Do not overlook the comfort of the booster seat either. Have your child test the booster seat; they should feel comfortable and secure on it. Here is our selection of booster seats for children:

When to Use a Backless Booster Seat?

Since 2017, backless booster seats have been approved under the R44/04 standard, only for children in group 3, thus weighing more than 22 kg and taller than 1.25 m. However, specialists do not recommend these models because the back of the booster seat actually provides a shield that protects the child’s back, neck, and head in the event of a crash and prevents their head from falling to the side during a nap. Moreover, backless boosters do not easily allow for proper positioning of the seatbelt.

How to Install a Booster Seat in Your Car?

First, you should place the booster seat facing forward on the back seat, not the front seat. Then, if your booster model has belt clips, slide the belt through the guides provided. Once your child is seated on the booster, ensure it fits properly, then place and fasten the seatbelt as you would for an adult. If necessary, adjust the seatbelt so that it securely holds the child without being too tight. The seatbelt will thus restrain the child while also securing the booster seat.