I’ve written about car seat safety before, it’s something I am particularly strict about. It’s always confusing when the law changes, there’s often a period of confusion when people are unsure if new rules have come into effect. With changes to laws governing the use of car seats, you may be unsure whether the seats currently being sold in shops will meet the new regulations. And, if you have old seats stored in the loft awaiting your next child, you may be unsure whether they will be up to the job. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming changes to child booster seat legislation:
1. The changes come into effect in December 2016
The changes are due to come into effect in December 2016. This gives you a few months to get your affairs in order, but then you’ll probably want to make sure you have the right seat for your child. The change in law will only apply to new booster seats, so parents will still be able to use existing booster seats if they want to. It is, however, important to educate yourself about the change is taking place, you may just decide that it’s worth forking out a few pounds when you see the difference it could make in the event of a car crash. In fact, a new high back booster car seat doesn’t have to cost much at all, they start from as little as £19.95 on Online4Baby.
2. Backless booster seats will be a thing of the past
At the moment, children as young as three are legally allowed to travel in a backless booster seat. Experts, however, say this is unsafe and puts children at risk. Thanks to calls for updated legislation, rules will be changing later this year to help keep children safe. As of December, it will be advised that all children travel in booster seats with backs until they are either 125cm tall or weigh 22kg (about three and a half stone), whichever comes first.
3. Backless booster seats are unsafe
Unfortunately, backless booster seats are failing to adequately protect children in car crashes. Smaller children are particularly at risk because the seat belt sits too high on their body. Backless booster seats simply aren’t secure enough and are therefore considered unsafe. In a side-on collision, a backless booster seat doesn’t offer adequate protection. A booster seat with a back reduces your child’s risk of injury in the event of a crash. According to a survey by Which, over half of 4-12 year olds use backless booster seats, the new changes will ensure these children are offered better protection when traveling in cars.
Will you be purchasing a new booster seat in line with the regulations?
