What is the current UK law on booster seats?
The UK laws surrounding booster seats can be confusing to a parent. Previous laws allowed manufacturers to manufacture booster seats for children weighing as little as 15kg (typically 2-4 year-olds). However, growing safety concerns called for these regulations to be revisited, as older models were seen as unsafe for younger children in the event of an accident. As of 2017, new booster seat laws prevent manufacturers from creating these older models and instead, all new-to-market booster seats are only approved for children weighing more than 22kg or children that meet the minimum height requirement of 125cm. It’s worth noting that new booster rules only apply to brand new products entering the booster seat market as of 2017, but if you’re currently using an older booster seat model (pre-2017) approved under the old law, then these can still be used as long as your child is three-years or older and weighs more than 15kg - as if this is the case then they still meet existing safety standards. Parents who do choose to continue to use their old boosters in this way will not be breaking the law despite the 2017 law change. However, the new model highback boosters are recommended by Direct4Baby as a safer alternative, as they feature a variety of adjustable elements that can be amended as your child grows. The new models also feature deep wings that offer added side protection for your child if your car is involved in an accident and hit from the side.
At what age can a child use a backless booster seat?
The age of a child that can use a backless booster seat is measured in two groups: Group 2: four years to six years, or 15kg to 25kg (33lb to 55lb) Group 3: six years to 12 years, or 22kg to 36kg (48lb to 79lb) Booster seats are designed purposely for children who have outgrown their forward-facing seat limits and still need a measure of car safety whilst driving. Though, there is no exact age recommendation for when a child should change from a car seat to a backless booster, as children can vary substantially in height and weight. For a general guideline to follow, the booster seat minimum regulations are approximate to the size of a 6-year-old child. So, if your child is of average height and weight for their age, then any age between 6-to-12 years of age is suitable for the use of new booster seats, until they can comfortably fit in a vehicle seat belt without a boost. If you’re unsure whether or not your child has outgrown their forward-facing seat and is ready for a booster, ask yourself these simple questions as a general rule of thumb:- Does your child reach the top weight or height for his seat?
- Are your child's shoulders resting above the top harness fitting?
- Are the top of your child's ears reaching the top of the car seat?
UK laws on Car Seats 
Highback car seats are designed specifically for smaller children who are yet to meet the booster seat requirements under the lastest laws in practice. Choosing the right car seat for your children can be quite a daunting task, as there are a variety of options to choose from and safety features to consider. UK car seats are divided up into three main groups, depending on your baby or child’s age and weight. These groups are known as R44 safety standards and are grouped up as follows:
- group 0+ – rear-facing car seats suitable for babies aged up to about 15 months or who weigh up to 13 kg (29lb); some can be clipped on to a pushchair frame and are known as travel systems. UK laws state that all babies under 9kg, must sit in a rear-facing car seat.
- group 1 – forward-facing seats suitable for children who weigh 9-18kg (20-40lb) or who are aged from about 9 months to 4 years.
- group 2/3 – high-backed booster seats suitable for children who weigh 15-36kg (33lb-5st 9lb) or are aged from about 4 to 11 years.
