There are not many decisions, when it comes to your car, that are more important than choosing a booster seat for your child.
Like choosing new car tyres, the safety implications are extremely important. You want to ensure you make the right choice. And that you stick to the rules of the road.
In the UK, the law requires that children use a child car seat, or booster seat, until they are 12 years old – or 4ft 5 in (135cm).
Failure to comply with this law not only puts your child in significant danger, but also carries a fixed penalty fine of £60 - and three penalty points on the driver's license.
If the case goes to court, the fine can increase to a maximum of £500.
What is the difference between a booster and a child car seat?
Before we go any further it might be worth taking a moment to clarify the difference between a child’s car seat and a booster seat.
By definition, a booster is a seat that your child sits on and uses the seat belt system of the vehicle as a safety restraint.
Whereas a child’s car seat utilises a 5-point harness as the main restraint for the child. Think the straps that you have to put in place around your baby and clip together.