Child restraint laws and what seat for your 5 yo

[Pandora]

I can't remember if they have to be in a child restraint until 5, or including 5 years old.

Our DS2 is turning 2 soon and needs to move to a new child seat.

DS1 is 5 and currently in a maxirider which I want to use for DS2

What sort of seat do I need to get for my 5 year old? I guess I'm hoping not to have to spend $200 for one year, and he is very tall and close to the max. Weight limit of most seats.

What does your 5 year old have?

[Traveller]

My 5yo is in a booster seat, I think it is only children under 4 who need to be in a child restraint

ETA vic roads has a good website about this http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/...ildRestraints/

[nothing2lose]

I have an 8 year old still in a booster seat (about $50 at kmart). Even though by law it isnt required, it is still a safer option because it helps them "fill out" the seat belt so it acts as a better restraint in an accident. Also, it helps her see out the window !!

n2l

[Olive]

moving to the car area

[Traveller]

Sorry I misread the OP. At 5 your child needs to be in a booster seat if they have outgrown their child seat, and he needs to stay in it until at least 7.

[Pandora]

Thanks Olive - i couldn't find the right spot and it's harder on iPhone.

So he needs a booster seat with a full back, not a highrider style one?

Cos I'm concerned about him being so close to the weight limit, he's 24kg

[~Kim~]

from the same site Trav posted, under question about booster seats

What can I do if my child is too big for a booster seat?
While the new laws aim to cater for the majority of children, a provision will be included to ensure a child is not required to use a restraint unsuitable for their height and weight.
A child, who is too heavy for the restraint recommended for their age, should use a restraint for the next age category. For example, if a child is too big for a booster (greater than 26kg), a seatbelt can be worn or an approved child safety harness can be used in conjunction with a lap belt or lap/sash seatbelt. In addition there are products such as SafeFit which can help achieve good seatbelt fit.

If my child is in a booster seat do they also need to be in a child safety harness?
Booster seats do not come with a child safety harness. Booster seats are designed to be used with a lap/sash seatbelt. However, if your child is using a seating position fitted with a lap-only belt then they must use a child safety harness.