When to transition your child to a booster seat
In the vast landscape of parenting decisions, determining when to transition your child from a child restraint to a booster seat is a critical safety milestone.
Understanding the guidelines and adhering to the law is paramount in ensuring your child is comfortable and safe on the road.
In Queensland, the law states children must use an Australian Standard-approved child restraint until they are at least seven years old.
RACQ recommends children remain in a booster seat until their shoulders go past the maximum height marker and that they continue to travel in the back seat until they are 12 years old.
RACQ Education Officer Caitlin Delaney said there were several factors which should be considered when transitioning a child between car seats.
“The decision to move from a child restraint to a booster seat revolves around the child's height and overall development,” Ms Delaney said.
“Children can transition to a booster seat when they are at least four years old and have outgrown the shoulder height markers on their current child restraint.
“If you’re unsure where to find this information, you can refer to the child restraint manual.”
Ms Delaney said there were key steps you can take to ensure your child’s safety once they had upgraded to a booster seat.
“Booster seats are designed to elevate the child and should allow the adult seatbelt to fit firmly across the shoulder and low across the hips,” she said.
“Regularly checking the seat’s components, including the top tether strap, and adjusting the booster seat as your child grows, will mean they are safe every time they hop in the car.
“You can also register your car seat with the manufacturer to ensure you receive timely recall notices or safety updates.”
Ms Delaney also explained some of the other considerations parents should keep in mind for second-hand restraints.
“If you decide to use a second-hand child restraint, it’s important to ensure you know its full history and trust the previous owner, as any restraint involved in a crash cannot be used again,” she said.
The law in Queensland also states that any child restraint or booster seat must carry the AS sticker, which guarantees it has been tested and approved against the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754.
For more information, RACQ recommends consulting the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific child restraint to ensure it meets Australian safety standards.
You can learn more about child restraint laws and access useful resources here.
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