Re: new child restraint laws...

[sara86]

Hi!

(Sorry if this is in the wrong section!?)

Just a few questions on behalf of a friend of mine....

Are the little "boosters" like the safe and sound novas suitable to use according to the new laws??

Safe and sound nova for anyone who doesnt know what im talking about -http://www.babyzonedirect.com.au/catalogue/c5/c57/c72/p567


And also with the regular boosters (with the full back and sides), how do you know when your child is too big for them?
Eg. is it when their head is over the top etc??

TIA!

[sara86]

bump...

[*Cj*]

Quote:
Question: Can I use a booster cushion instead of a booster seat?
If the booster cushion complies with Australian Standards, it may be used by your child. However, research has shown that booster seats provide a higher level of safety than booster cushions for the child in some types of crashes.
www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/ebd7a90e3dd6f27/Pdf_child_restraints_qanda_22_sept_09.pdf (http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/ebd7a90e3dd6f27/Pdf_child_restraints_qanda_22_sept_09.pdf)


http://today.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=876887 (http://today.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=876887)

http://www.ract.com.au/shops_service_centres/buy_and_fit_child_restraints

[*Cj*]

Hi!


And also with the regular boosters (with the full back and sides), how do you know when your child is too big for them?
Eg. is it when their head is over the top etc??

TIA!


with the regular boosters I think they are too big when their eye level is above the top of the booster seat .

[Lillynix]

Taken from: http://vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/3ADA9EFB-AAEB-4DC7-B929-85D1D09464BE/0/Choosing_and_using_child_restraints.pdf


Children aged 4 to under 7 years

Children in this age group must not travel in the front seat of a vehicle that has a back
row or rows unless all the other back seats are occupied by children who are also
under 7 years.

Children in this age group vary considerably in height and weight.
A child may use EITHER a forward-facing child restraint with an inbuilt harness OR an
approved booster seat with lap-sash seatbelt. If you are using a seating position with a
lap-only seatbelt, you must also use a child safety harness.

Remember that children grow at different rates. Just because they have turned 4 years
does not mean they are ready for a booster seat. If your child is still under 18 kg and
fitting in the forward-facing child restraint with inbuilt harness, keep using this restraint.

Choosing a booster seat -
There are three kinds of approved booster seats (see table on page 19):

- booster seat (18–26 kg)

- combination child restraint/booster seat

- booster cushion (not recommended; refer to note on page 19).

Note from page 19:


Note: Booster cushions provide no protection
in a side impact crash. They are not
recommended for use in seating positions
next to windows/doors.

[sara86]

Ok great thanks heaps.... all that info is pretty much what i assumed it would be.

The half cushion booosters are legal but strongly not recommended.

Thanks everyone for your help! :)

[BabyPaparazzi]

It can also depend on the age of the child, for instance up till the age 18kg the seat requires a built in h-harness, check out his page (i think it is the same for each state)

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/Motor_vehicle/Child_restraints/Rs_mv_choosing_a_restraint