Booster Seats (Group 2)

15kg upwards (from approx. 4 years)

Booster seats are light and popular with children. A happy child is less likely to distract you while you are driving.

Features

The adult lap and diagonal seat belt restrains both the child and seat – there's no integral harness for the child.
Often the seat back can be removed and the remaining base used as a booster cushion for older children – seats will be marked 'Group 2 and 3'
Some 'booster seats' incorporate a removeable, integral five–point harness so that they can be used for the younger weight range (Group 1) too. Look for seats marked Groups 1,2, and 3.
Look for seats with a wide range of head support adjustment and good protection against side impact

The diagonal part of the belt should lie across the child's shoulder, not against the neck.
The lap part of the belt should lie across the top of the child's thighs, not around the abdomen.
Belts should lie flat on the child – avoid twists, which can increase the loads on the child in a crash.
Never pass the diagonal part of the belt under the child's arm.
Static rather than inertia reel (automatic) seat belts must be used for children under three years (ie at the lower end of the weight range). Don't worry if you have automatic belts fitted though, many now have a so-called ALR/ELR facility that allows them to be 'converted' to static operation. Check your car's handbook.
Many seats come with a locking device that effectively converts your belts to static operation. The locking device often acts as a belt guide too, allowing you to adjust the angle and height of the diagonal part of the belt to suit your child's height.
Booster seats generally suffer less from compatibility problems in relation to the car's seat belt design and geometry compared with two-point mounting seats. They are easier to fit and more likely to be fitted correctly.

Useful points to remember if you are thinking of buying second-hand.