| Car seats and boosters have become compulsory | | | | with cars that already have a head rest. |
| items to have in the car for a child due to recent | | | | If your don't use a car seat booster then the child's |
| regulations. This article outlines the difference between | | | | position could be putting them at risk. If the belt is too |
| the types of seats and why they are so important. | | | | high across the stomach, the child could in fact slip |
| A car seat booster is something that it used in | | | | underneath it if an accident occurred. Sometimes, the |
| conjunction with your normal seat belt. The first type | | | | child will place their arm over the shoulder strap to |
| has no back, but just a base. Its main purpose is to | | | | prevent it hurting their neck. This again will put them at |
| raise the child so that the seat belt goes correctly | | | | risk which can be prevented with a seat booster. |
| across the shoulder, without the seat booster raising | | | | It is not recommended that the child sits in the front |
| the height, the belt can cut across the neck. | | | | seat as their head may hit the dash board. They |
| The car seat will also allow the waist strap of the belt | | | | should also not sit in the front if the car is fitted with an |
| to fit correctly around the hip. If the booster is not used | | | | air bag. |
| then the belt can slide up to the stomach which could | | | | For babies and toddlers, you will need to use a special |
| cause internal injuries if an accident occurred. | | | | seat before the baby is big enough to use a booster. |
| It's important to point out that this type of car seat | | | | At first the baby will need to use a seat which allows |
| booster must be used in conjunction with a seat belt | | | | them to face backwards until the neck muscles are |
| that goes across the neck as well as the waist. | | | | strong enough and they are of sufficient weight. Each |
| Otherwise, the child's head may fly forward and hit the | | | | car seat will come with guidelines which you must |
| back of the sat in front. | | | | read. |
| If this type of seat is used, then your rear seats should | | | | Concerning what age and weight your child should be |
| have a head rest as well which should cup the head | | | | to use a car seat booster will depend on the country |
| at ear level. This will help reduce sideways movement | | | | or state you are in. In Washington for example, a seat |
| of the head which could be dangerous. | | | | of this type should be used up to 6 years old or 60 |
| If you car doesn't have head rests then the second | | | | pounds in weight. Make sure you check the regulations |
| type of booster can be used. This car seat booster | | | | for your state or country on which type of seats |
| comes complete with a high back rest and a head | | | | should be used and when. |
| rest as well. This type if car seat can also be used | | | | |