Booster Cushions (Group 3)

22kg upwards (from approx. 6 years)

Features

Many booster seats (Group 2 seats) have a removable back and can be converted into a booster cushion, which means the cushion doesn't have to be bought separately.
keep your child in a seat with an integral back for as long as possible as these provide additional side impact protection.
Being small, easy to carry, and cheap, booster cushions are ideal as a spare for occasional journeys with friends or relatives where it's not practicable to transfer the child's main seat.
Booster cushions are designed to fit securely on a car seat. You must not use an ordinary cushion as these cannot be secured and will fly out from under your child in an accident.

The child is restrained using adult belts that also hold the booster cushion in place by passing around moulded 'ears' at its rear.
Make sure that the diagonal belt passes across the child's shoulder rather than neck, and that the lap belt passes across the top of the child's thighs.
Some booster cushions are fitted with an additional strap and clip that can be used to lower the over-shoulder height of the diagonal part of the seat belt. This can improve the fit of the belt and the child's comfort by pulling the belt away from the child's neck.
Booster cushions must not be used in seating positions fitted only with an adult lap-belt. If you have to use a centre-rear seat fitted only with a lap belt you may be able to install a group I seat (check the fitting instructions) if you have a younger child and put the child on the booster cushion in one of the outboard seats.

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