Booster Seats

[onelasttime]

Hi there,

Just wanted to know how old should a child go into a booster seat?
I have just found out Im pregnant and i'm due in April (if all goes well). My DS will be 18 months, is this a good age to put him in a booster seat or will he be to young?

There is a sale on at Target and they have some boosters seat there, unsure to get one or not?

Also what brands do you recommend?

Any info will be great

[Oscar's mum]

Every booster seat is different as to what age and weight it is suitable to take from.

I am getting the Phil and Ted 'Tott' which is suitable from 9 months old to 8 years old I believe.

But I would suggest perhaps for an 18 month old a booster seat that has a 5 point harness (it's own seat belt still) and not one that rely's on the lap belt etc.

Happy hunting!;)

[FourAngelKisses]

I moved DS1 to a booster seat at 21mths and DS2 at 2yrs. I used one of those harness things with them though and they were both 16kg by then.

It all depends on their weight, but when you do make the change, I'd recommend a harness.

[Oscar's mum]

Oh sorry I just checked out the Phil and Ted seat and I lied it is suitable up until 11 years old! Which is even better!:D

[FourAngelKisses]

:laughing: I couldn't imagine DS1 sitting in a booster seat until he is 11. At the age of 8, he is 4ft 9in tall and weighs 45kg, I hate to imagine what he will be at 11.

[onelasttime]

Thanks for all your input. Thats a good thought about having its own harness, I never really thought about it.

I still have plenty of time so I will start shopping around.

Thanks again.

[jessgray]

i too am looking at booster's as my ds1 will be 18 months in october. when ds2 is due. does anyone recomend the safe and sound boosters? i noticed while in target they have an optional harness. the other one i looked at was red and black i think it was a maxi rider.

[little mermaid]

I would recommend that Safe n Sound Maxi rider it is suitable from 6 months till about 8 years old, as I personally think 18 months is way too young to put a baby into a booster seat as they are meant to stay in a proper car seat with the 5 point harness until they physically cant fit.
Just a suggestion as I am the car seat nazzi!!

[rynosmum]

Check out this thread for the latest safety tests.
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=31903

[Lirael]

i got the maxi rider for DD (23months 12 kilos) its awesome. goes from 8 - 26 kilos so roughly a 8 yr old. got hipod barcelona for DS (3.5 17 kilos) goes from 14-26 kilos on layby not sure if it has same thing as maxi rider(thingy that goes between legs to stop them sliding through can be used all ages and weights) so may end up getting a second maxi rider.
the hipod barcelona was top in RACV safety tests it beat the maxi rider but only just. also maxi rider is 359 hipod is 239 or 169 on sale at target target does not sell maxi rider. i would say get the maxi rider cos it has the option of the 5 point harness til bub is 18 kilos:D

[Allgoodthings!]

The Safe n Sound Maxi Rider is currently on sale at Toys r Us for $239.98 and you get a bonus Safe n Sound Car Seat Organiser valued at $39.99!

Thats a great price!

[Lirael]

the safe and sound maxi rider II is the one i have just to clarify there are two different models i think the first didnt do as well in safety tests in regards to side impacts. i may be wrong. also the maxi rider II can be used with a harness in booster mode dont think the original can. pls correct me if im wrong:) i dont know how to do links but if u google 'safe and sound maxi rider safety test' and check out the choice magazine review it mentions the original(tested in 2000 the car seat was released in 1995 from what i can gather) RACV just performed a new test and the original is at the bottom coming second last the new one is second from the best being the hipod barcelona which is not convertible.

[MummyCharmzy]

I would recommend that Safe n Sound Maxi rider it is suitable from 6 months till about 8 years old, as I personally think 18 months is way too young to put a baby into a booster seat as they are meant to stay in a proper car seat with the 5 point harness until they physically cant fit.
Just a suggestion as I am the car seat nazzi!!

same here.. highly reccommend the maxirider, DD 13 months and DS 3y9m are both in maxiriders, DS doesnt weigh enough to go in a 'normal' booster seat yet anyway, he has to go in a 5point harness and I imagine will still be too small for a good year.

Keep them in the 'smaller' one as long as possible... DS was in his 'newborn' capsule until 18 months as he was so small, DD is a big girl for her age but she was rearward facing til 12 months and only turned because DD2 came along. They'll alls tay in there 5 point ones until they are 18kg, tho DS is under 14kg so not big enough as I said for a booster seat as they have to weigh 14kg for that.

Then they're meant to stay in the boosters until 26kg or until there eyes are higher than the back of the seat.... DSS is gettng close to his eyes being there.. only about 2 more cms or growing I think! We've already got him a booster cushion tho which is for up to 32kg.

So many carseats!

[mich71]

i use maxi rider its for 8kg and up it has harnes and that can be removed when they reach the wieght limit cant remember and then its a booster seat till there 4

[reAllytee]

Just to let you know if your wanting a booster seat.
The Hi Pod Barcelona is on special at Target till Wednesday the 23rd August for $169 :thumbsup:

It has the best reviews as well as the best in safety standards !
Goes from approx 6mths of age through to 7yrs :thumbsup:

[Lirael]

the hipod barcelona does not have a 5 point harness or anti submarine clip to stop child sliding through the bottom of lap sash belt('submarining') it is NOT compatible with any harness i have rung the company it is ONLY used with a lap sash seat belt that comes in your car.:no: i had one on layby but after discovering this cancelled it and am getting a second maxi riderII for DS who is 3.5 and weighs 17 kilos:)