age and weight for booster seat

[KimB]

Hi all,

I am a bit stuck with this one. I looked already on the RTA website but it only says when children are 4 they should be in a booster seat. My DD3 is only 2 but already 15.5kg and her shoulders are above the straps in her baby seat. Do you think it would be ok to put her in an approved booster seat or is there something inbetween that I don't know about lol. Thanks for any info

[The[cookie]Doctor]

She needs to be in a 5 point harness until she is 4 years old (I think NSW is the same as Vic)
So if you get a normal booster you will need to buy the harness separately and it needs to anchor to the car (i think)
Alternatively a bigger seat such as the Maxi Rider will be sufficient.

[Astrid]

Look at one of the convertible seats like a Maxi rider. The h harness is rated up to 18 kgs, but then it becomes the booster and you can add a secondary harness to work with the lap sash belt.
eta by h harness I mean the inbuilt harness

[Ozziehoffy]

Look at one of the convertible seats like a Maxi rider. The h harness is rated up to 18 kgs, but then it becomes the booster and you can add a secondary harness to work with the lap sash belt.

Astrid, where does it state that the harness which is built in only goes up to 18kg? I can't find that... but I don't understand the reason they've done that either, other than for MORE money because you have to buy a new harness!

[Astrid]

In the instruction book for the seat and one the side of the Maxi Rider it has stated 18kgs for "Toddler" use. Other brands may vary, but 18kgs seems to be the standard.

[Little Chicken]

I bought the hipod senator for my DD. Rated safety wise the same as a maxi rider, and has an inbuilt 5 point harness till 18kg and then either seatbelt with an anti submarine clip or buy a seperate harness. Only had it a few weeks, but so far so good.

[Jakabella]

DD is 2 and already 18 kgs. We just bought the maxirider ahr and the shop assist rang safe n sound and you can use the harness fir over 18 kgs as long as it still fits ok. The maxirider has an adjustable head rest that moves up quite a fair way and the harness gies very high also. Once the harness us to small you use the anti sub clip with the normal car seat belt. Hth

[KimB]

Thanks everyone. It seems the maxi rider is the best. I had a look online at both of them and like it better. I wonder why the hi liner doesn't come with it's own built in harness?? Oh well, not liking what we will have to pay though. Might try to find one on sale somewhere.

[1MOREPLZ]

My son is 2yrs old and in a booster seat with a H harness and this is acceptable in NSW, he is very tall and his weight justifies him being in the booster seat

[Ozziehoffy]

Jakabella!!! THANK YOU!!! That's exactly what I thought and what I could find on it myself, but had a couple of friends saying no no no.... and I said well why do they sell it and rate it for 26kg then.

Kimb... check out babyzonedirect dot com dot au that's where I bought mine through and was heaps cheaper than anywhere.

[KimB]

thanks everyone. I was going to buy a new baby seat for the new little one but then thought it would be a waste of money as DD3 won't be in hers much longer. Will continue to check out different sites for specials