what age do you put them in a booster seat?

Amy - posted on 11/08/2010

It is according to the weight limit on the carseat..if the seat only goes to 40 lbs harnessed then you cannot use it past 40 lbs.If its 47,48 or 65 lbs (many now are 65 lbs,in the US it is 80 lbs on Britix) then you use itl then..sometimes they outgrow the strap hight then you need to buy a new seat.

40 lbs and 4 yrs old is the YOUNGEST and LOWEST but NOT RECMMONDED.Harnessed for as long as possible.The baby should of been rf for as long as possible to.My ds was 7 when he went into a booster same as his sister and came out of a boster at 11 even tho our law states they can at 8 or 80 lbs or 4ft 9...he is only 9 but is small!

Mel - posted on 07/30/2009

some one from australia made a good point on the young mums group that (with regards to rear and forward facing seats) perhaps the reason we switch to froward facing after 6 months is because our seats are not designed to be rear faced for an older child. anyway how it is all sorted now i have my info

Jodi - posted on 07/30/2009

Kate, it is inconsistent in Australia. The Federal Government has issued recommendations, but it isn't law until each state individually adopts the recommendations. I don't think WA have adopted it yet, but many other states have.





My personal viewpoint is that if it is a safety recomendation by the Federal Government, even if it is not law, there has been research into the matter, and it should be taken as the best guideline when making your decision about your child's safety.





The current laws (up to 12 months of age) were made years ago and are really outdated now that we have far more information about the statistics of children involved in car accidents, and also so many more choices for child restraints.

Kate - posted on 07/30/2009

US law is now 4 years and 40 lbs. Not sure about Australia. Keep them in a 5-pt. harness (and better yet, rear-facing) as long as possible.

--- - posted on 07/30/2009

melissa, you should really go by weight and height not age. I know it may seem exciting to want to put her in a "big girl chair" but the fact is that she is still a baby and a baby needs to be in a baby seat. it is better to be safe than sorry. the seat that my girl has she can be safely harnessed until she is 65 pounds! and if she gets taller we turn a crank and the seat gets taller with her. I am sure your baby will be just fine in her convertible carseat for a few years yet

Mel - posted on 07/30/2009

ill see how she goes when she grows up. off to get my bubba up now

Jodi - posted on 07/30/2009

Melissa, it is a new law, not sure if it has passed in WA yet, but it will be either 4 years old or 18 kg.





However, regardless of whether the law says you should or not, I would suggest you have a look over the WA Kidsafe site and read the recommendations for each restraint type. http://www.kidsafewa.com.au/childcarrest...





There is a reason why there has been a recommendation for the changes. I would leave it until she is much closer to 4 to judge.

Mel - posted on 07/29/2009

im in perth wa

Mel - posted on 07/29/2009

on the net it does say 4 years so perhaps that info is out dated or perhaps as well it depends on height of the child and weight. im not fully sure but I will just switch at 2.

Jodi - posted on 07/29/2009

Melissa, my daughter is 102 cm and still in proper fully harnessed forward facing car seat. I am not sure which state you are in, but 12 months sounds way too young for a booster.

Mel - posted on 07/29/2009

i rang the police station as suggested earlier they said 12 months so im going to take thier word for it. i never said i was intending on doing it right now Jodi just curious. my little girl is 82 cm so very tall for her age as well but i will probably make the switch when shes about 2 as long as my car seat can still fit her in that long because right now the straps are very tight and hard to do up

--- - posted on 07/29/2009

40 pounds is the minimum allowed in canada. my girl is 39.9 and her ped still wont let her in a booster

Jodi - posted on 07/29/2009

Melissa, it doesn't matter whether you agree or not, it is the law!! Children must remain in a forward facing car seat in Australia until they are 4 (18kg), and then a booster seat until 7 (or 32kg). These laws have been made for the safety of the child. So please, accept that the research has been done, and the law makers have decided it is the safest way for children to travel.





Most 4 year olds are in the range of that 18kg (my daughter is only 14kg at 4 1/2, but most of her friends are around that 18-20kg range). There is no way your daughter will be that weight by the time she is 2 unless she has some weight disorder.





If you doubt the validity, contact either the NRMA, or your state equivalent.

Jodi - posted on 07/29/2009

Melissa, I am in Australia, and my daughter is 4 1/2 and still in a forward facing car seat. Admittedly, she is very small so she still fits (just), but she will be going into a booster very shortly. 15 months is way too young.

Mel - posted on 07/29/2009

i dont quite agree with 40 pounds! that would be ages. i think ill go with jolene she said 16 kg or 2 years. i will prob do it when shes 2 because she wont be 16 kg for a while let alone 40 pounds god. she is only 9.8 now if that and is about to spend the next few months losing bulk weight due to weaning off tube feeding

--- - posted on 07/29/2009

when they are no less than 40 pounds

Mel - posted on 07/01/2009

thanks for all the input guys. sorry i have been away with my daughter for a bit and havent got online

Tanis - posted on 06/25/2009

It's recommended that children stay in a five-point harness as long as possible. A car's seat belt should lay across the child's shoulders comfortably - not across the neck. There are forward facing 5-point harness seats that convert to a high-back booster that have weight limits up to 100 pounds. This is a very high weight, and most children will be tall enough to be in a regular seat belt by then, but the seats are available.

Jolene - posted on 06/25/2009

hey im an aussies i went to the rat today.... to ask the same question about booster seats and they say 16kgs and over the age of 2 but car seats r much safe!!

Tabitha - posted on 06/24/2009

Quoting diana:

in the united states the car seat has to be facing the backseat, for safety reasons, then by the time the kids reach about 8 yrs old they are put in a booster seat. We are very strict when it comes to our kids, I hope this helps.

In the United States the carseats are only kept facing the rear seat until a certain weight and age!  Not until 8 years old.

Naomi - posted on 06/24/2009

the type of restraint you use is generally about the weight of the child rather than the age. there is a bit of information on this website - http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Saf...

Faith - posted on 06/24/2009

In some states I think its the law, not until they are 4 or 40 pounds. But you are in Australia so I have no idea what the law is there. The carseat is the best place for them as long as you possible can. They fit better and are more properly restrained. My son is 3 1/2 and about 35 pounds and still in a forward facing carseat. I am going to wait until he is 4 as long as he still fits.

Vivian - posted on 06/24/2009

I usually move my children into a booster around 2 1/2 years--my boys have usually outgrown the carseat by this time. If your daughter still fits in the carseat, I say leave her in it until 3.

Mel - posted on 06/23/2009

im so sorry to hear about your nephew Cierra thats terrible. good luck with your family

Cierra - posted on 06/23/2009

Normally people go by what the manufacturer suggests but let's face it children these days seem to surpass statistics. My son is very above average in height and he will be three next month, normally they tell you 48lbs(he is no where near 48 lbs) or around 4 yrs of age before you put them in a booster but my son has been in a booster since he turned two cause his legs were dangling off the convertible car seat something terrible. Take in to consideration her height and her comfort level in her current seat. Boosters are safe for children with disabilities, my nephew had a stroke when he was 3 months old so he doesn't walk or talk either and the boosters u can by at wal-mart with the chest straps that connect and buckle in the crotch work well for him.

Christa - posted on 06/23/2009

It's recommended to keep a child in a 5 point harness for as long as possible, as this will offer the most protection. My 4 year old is in a 5 point harness. Many models exist with 5 point harnesses until 40 lbs, and some up to around 60 lbs. Do your research. Covertable seats are great for when babies grow out of their infant seat. We have a Britax Decathalon.

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

because australia's road laws arent national, they vary by state rules on right of way vary between the states also....as so parking regulations and penalities its all governed by the local government

Kristelle - posted on 06/23/2009

http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/2007... - these ARE only guidelines tho, but very wise ones to follow.
I know each state is revising their laws (I still don't understand tho, why 'Australia' can't change it's laws, why only individual states), so you'd have to contact your local RTA or possibly Road Service Provider, such as NRMA, RACV, RACQ, etc. ACT (where we are) have just brought in new laws regarding children travelling in front seats!

Amy - posted on 06/23/2009

I would say around 40lbs or age 4 also. My kids are 7 and 8 and still in boosters

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

its all very much reliant on height and weight for a seat to be effective for safety at all. age is no guide to go by at all.

but no one ever said victorian government were intelligent they often rush legislation through without even looking at it and rarely bother cleaning their own mess up.

kidsafe are the best source of info and products its their job its what they do I put up a link earlier to their national website just give them a call.

they can take a look at it and let you know if it is time to turn it or if she will need a different type of seat. my girls were all relatively close in age so I have quite a number of seats because it was far from being a hand me down situation. I essentially had one of every type

Kylie - posted on 06/23/2009

If youe unsure ring the police department they will let you know

Mel - posted on 06/23/2009

thanks for all the great info Kylie and Jessica, i am from perth wa also. we may be able to adjust the straps but right now we have trouble connecting the belt because it has to pull down on her shoulders so hard to do up. but it doesnt seem to bother her.

Erin - posted on 06/23/2009

I'm in Australia too and you need to go by the weight limit on your carseat. Most go to 18kg (although some go to 26kg). There is also legislation in the works to stipulate a child must be in some sort of booster with 5-point harness til 4 yo (Victoria has already passed it). If you're unsure call a licenced carseat installer. We have one attached to the hospital and I actually called today because my daughter's already over the 8kg recommendation for rear-facing but is not even 5 mo yet. I was advised to leave her until 6 mo, as they're also working on a law saying a baby must be 8kg AND 6 months.

Kylie - posted on 06/23/2009

I live in wa and i was told bye the wa police department that once your childs shoulders are abouve the top strapes of the baby seat they need to be changed to a boosta seat.The whight and age on the baby seats are only a guide,not every child is the same wight or size at the age of 4/5 so if your child needs to be change before the recomended age then so be it.

Kylie - posted on 06/23/2009

Hi before i changed my daughter in to her boosta seat i rang the police station to check with them

Jessica - posted on 06/23/2009

i know what you mean melissa i just wanted you to be aware that the laws are about to chang soon. i think it be bad if you didnt know and then were told by a police oficer you were breaking the law (after the law changes come in). i have been researching maaxi riders for my almost 3 yr old son,this seat might be an option for you.

Kylie - posted on 06/23/2009

melissa, if shes tall she could go into a boosta seat now if you want ,the genaral rule with a car seat is that the straps have to sit level with there shoulders so when you sit her in her seat next see were the strap holes sit level with her shoulers or under her shoulders,if its under then she needs to be changed.

Mel - posted on 06/23/2009

Kylie - ours is very very long for her age. does that make a difference with the booster seats? shes above 80 cm now at 14 months. i cannot imagine being in the US and trying to keep her rear facing when she is so tall

Kylie - posted on 06/23/2009

Hi there its not there age its there size, we had to put my 2 year old in her booster seat when she as about 15 mounths because she is big for her age.If the top strap holes are sitting below her shoulders then she is ready to go into a booster seat.

Mel - posted on 06/23/2009

thanks for the link. i guess i will see what happens as she gets older i dont mean any offense to you but i know alot of people do not go by the laws they usually switch a little early. but we will see how she goes i will keep her on the forward facing carseat for a few years though.

Jessica - posted on 06/23/2009

melissa read the link

Mel - posted on 06/23/2009

thanks it sounds like about age 3-4 and probably 4 from what i have seen but it also sounds like it depends on the child looks like some cant be changed because they stand up in thier seats. ill have to ask around in australia i think what majority of people do because im fairly sure ive seen many 4 year olds not in a booster seat just in normal. i dont believe the age is 7 though, that did sound odd considering kids are in year 2 at that age and would be laughed at, at school if their peers saw them in a booster seat. thankyou guys

Jessica - posted on 06/23/2009

Quoting Margaret:

Quoting Jessica:

children in australia require boosters till age 7 from november when the new laws start.she is not developed enough for a booster go watch the youtbe videos of hat happens when improperly restrained children are in car crashes.my son is 4 he went into a booster when he was heavy enough for one (this year) he uses a H harness annd my almost 3 yr son is still in a forward facing carseat.

BTW this is so WRONG and blatant BS it isnt funny there is no legal age requirement for particular restraint types in this country. and it certainly is not regulated by age. booster seats for some 7 year olds would simply be dangerous!

they are bringing the overseas models that  cater for the average 10year old i was told by a Racv car seat fitter that these boosters were currently being tested for safety standards at the moment as  australias differ from the countries with these.

this is from the racv site: Children aged between 4 years and under 7 years must use an approved, properly fastened and adjusted  forward facing restraint or a an approved booster seat which is properly positioned and fastened.

http://www.racv.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/r...

so get ya facts right before tellig people its wrong.

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

http://www.kidsafe.com.au/index.php these are the organisation paid by the government and supported by the government to provide the information to the public.

they also provide free installation of child restraints to ensure that they are installed correctly.

as well as this they have car seats capsules booster seats all available for hire or purchase

Keshia - posted on 06/23/2009

Check with your local fire station. They can tell you all the correct info about the safety of your child. Or go to www.seatcheck.org.

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

Quoting diana:

Quoting Margaret:

Quoting Jessica:

children in australia require boosters till age 7 from november when the new laws start.she is not developed enough for a booster go watch the youtbe videos of hat happens when improperly restrained children are in car crashes.my son is 4 he went into a booster when he was heavy enough for one (this year) he uses a H harness annd my almost 3 yr son is still in a forward facing carseat.

BTW this is so WRONG and blatant BS it isnt funny there is no legal age requirement for particular restraint types in this country. and it certainly is not regulated by age. booster seats for some 7 year olds would simply be dangerous!

i'm sorry you feel this is blatant BS, the United States are very strict when it comes to our kids. Write a letter to your congressman and see what they say.

for one we are discussing AUSTRALIAN law we are australians I couldnt give a hoot what your congressman thinks seriously...

two australians dont need to be legislated to the wall to do what is right for their kids the vast majority of us are actually sensible the LAW requires that ALL children AND adults always be restrained when in vehicles the manner and type of restraint is not legislated!

Jenifer - posted on 06/23/2009

I have no idea what the laws are in Australia, so I can't comment on that - but I'd imagine you'd want to leave her in the car seat until she can sit up straight on her own for the length of a car ride. If she slouches as soon as you set her in the booster, it won't be doing her much good. If she's a little behind developmentally, you may need to wait a bit longer than most.

Diana - posted on 06/23/2009

Quoting Margaret:

Quoting Jessica:

children in australia require boosters till age 7 from november when the new laws start.she is not developed enough for a booster go watch the youtbe videos of hat happens when improperly restrained children are in car crashes.my son is 4 he went into a booster when he was heavy enough for one (this year) he uses a H harness annd my almost 3 yr son is still in a forward facing carseat.

BTW this is so WRONG and blatant BS it isnt funny there is no legal age requirement for particular restraint types in this country. and it certainly is not regulated by age. booster seats for some 7 year olds would simply be dangerous!

i'm sorry you feel this is blatant BS, the United States are very strict when it comes to our kids. Write a letter to your congressman and see what they say.

Diana - posted on 06/23/2009

in the united states the car seat has to be facing the backseat, for safety reasons, then by the time the kids reach about 8 yrs old they are put in a booster seat. We are very strict when it comes to our kids, I hope this helps.

Margaret - posted on 06/23/2009

Quoting Jessica:

children in australia require boosters till age 7 from november when the new laws start.she is not developed enough for a booster go watch the youtbe videos of hat happens when improperly restrained children are in car crashes.my son is 4 he went into a booster when he was heavy enough for one (this year) he uses a H harness annd my almost 3 yr son is still in a forward facing carseat.

BTW this is so WRONG and blatant BS it isnt funny there is no legal age requirement for particular restraint types in this country. and it certainly is not regulated by age. booster seats for some 7 year olds would simply be dangerous!