How To Choose Your Car Booster Seat?

When it comes to road safety, especially for our children, choosing the right equipment is crucial. Car booster seats, designed specifically for children aged 3 to 12, meet this concern. Complying with European standards, these seats are suitable for children measuring between 100 and 150 cm or weighing between 15 and 36 kg, guaranteeing a safe journey. In this article, we'll explore the specific features and regulations of booster seats in detail, to help you make the best choice.

What is a car booster seat?

Booster seats are specially designed for travelling safely with a child in the car. These car seats, known as booster seats, are designed for children aged between 3 and 12. The main purpose of the booster seat is to position the child at the right height to enable him or her to use the adult seatbelt correctly. Once the height or weight limit of the booster seat has been reached, the child can then travel simply using the seat belt.

How Does a Car Booster Seat Work?

The car booster seat is particularly different from a car seat The booster seat has no 5-point harness or isofix base. In the booster seat, the child is restrained directly by the adult seatbelt, which also restrains the seat. Using a booster seat improves the fit of the vehicle's 3-point safety belt, which was originally designed to fit an adult.

In other words, the car booster seat adapts the adult seatbelt to the child's height. The car booster seat (with backrest) optimises the passage of the belt in the areas designed for this purpose, both in the abdomen and in the shoulders, to avoid the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident.

Car Booster Seat Regulations

In France, since 1st January 1992In France, it is compulsory for children under the age of ten to use an approved child restraint system adapted to their height and weight. The aim of the legislation is to guarantee child safety to protect them in the event of an accident. As has been the case since the introduction of the R129 regulation (i-Size) in 2013, every change in legislation aims to further strengthen the protection of children in cars.

European Standards

At the moment, two regulations apply jointly in respect of car seats and booster seats. The most obvious difference between these two standards is the classification of car booster seats according to weight or height. The age limit is generally given for information purposes only.

• ECE R44/04 regulations :: These regulations, the oldest of its kind, classify car seats and booster seats according to their child's weight.
• ECE R129 regulation (i-Size) More recent, it classifies car seats and booster seats according to the children's height. It also aims to improve the overall safety of children in cars, with the introduction of frontal collision tests, the widespread use of the ISOFIX attachment and the obligation to keep the child facing away from the road for longer (minimum 15 months).

In 2017, new changes were made to regulations R129 (i-Size) and R44/04 concerning the specific use of booster seats.

• Regulation R44/04

Backless booster seats are permitted for children weighing between 15 and 36 kg (Group 2/3). However, these booster seats must now be fitted with a backrest if the child is less than 125 cm tall. As a result, only children weighing between 22 and 36 kg will be able to use backless booster seats (Group 3).

• Regulation R129 (i-Size)

The new R129 (i-Size) regulation strengthens safety standards to better protect children. With this update, backless booster seats can no longer be accepted. From now on, only booster seats with a backrest suitable for children at least 100 cm tall will be approved.

If you already have a car booster seat, rest assured, these two regulations will continue to coexist for several years to come. As a result, you are under no obligation to replace your  current car booster seat by a newer model. However, if you need to changing car seatsIf your child has a backrest, choose a model with a backrest, which is more comfortable and safer for your child.

Different Types Of Car Booster Seats

Le booster seat is designed for older children for whom the use of a restraint system is still compulsory. Visit car booster seat does not have its own restraint system, as the child is strapped in directly using the safety belt at three points on the vehicle.

There are mainly two types of booster seats that currently coexist:

High back booster car seat

This is the safest and most comfortable type of booster seat. The presence of a backrest with headrest and belt guides provide excellent protection. The different guides ensure optimal transition of the safety belt around the child's lower abdomen and shoulders. In the event of an accident, they prevent the belt around the abdomen from riding up and causing serious internal injuries. The backrest and headrest help to ensure that the child is in a safe position. excellent posture of the child's head and body to provide effective protection in the event of a side impact.

Backless booster car seats

There are two types of backless booster seats. For both, backless booster seats are the perfect choice. We strongly advise against because of their low level of protection.

The backless booster seat with armrests offers two strap guides which control the passage of the seatbelt through the abdomen. However, without no side protectionThe child's shoulders, head and upper torso are not sufficiently protected in the event of a collision.

Conversely, the single backless booster seat does not protect the child's pelvis, shoulders or head in the event of an accident. A simple car booster seat without a backrest does not provide optimum guidance for the seatbelt. The child could slide under the belt or, in the worst case, the booster seat could slip out from under the child's bottom, making it unsafe. This means that in the event of an accident, there is an additional risk that your child could suffer serious injuries to the abdomen or neck, with a significant risk of strangulation.

These models also have a increased risk of injury to the head and upper body. In fact, with the absence of headrests and backrests, this type of booster seat does not no protection and, more generally, no lateral protection. In the event of an accident, the child's body will be thrown violently in all directions without any safety.

Finally, without a backrest, the upper body and especially the head will tend to fall forward or to the side while the child is sleeping. This can lead to posture problems and a major hazard in the event of impact.

Bearing in mind the benefits and disadvantages above, it is easy to understand why the backless booster seats are more dangerous than their equivalent with backrest.

Car Booster Seat Selection Criteria

Apart from the criteria concerning the child's height and weight, There are other factors to consider when choosing one booster seat over another. Here's a quick overview of the different comfort and safety options available from the leading car seat manufacturers.

• Belt guide

The belt guides have a clear impact not only on children's safety but also on their comfort. All booster seats offer 3 guide points of the seatbelt, one in the shoulder area and two in the pelvis area. Some brands, such as Britax or BeSafe are now adding a 4^th safety point which keeps the ventral part of the belt under the abdomen, thus avoiding serious injury. This way the abdominal region is less exposed to high pressure during sudden braking or a collision. This type of device can currently be found on car booster seats such as BeSafe iZi Flex or Britax Kidfix i-Size.

• Side protection

The booster seats with backrest are generally equipped with a V-shaped backrest which gives children more room for their shoulders and back. To further protect children in the event of a side impact, some models are equipped with side protection systems removable, fixed, integrated or retractable, whose role is to absorb part of the impact to reduce the forces exerted. This type of additional side protection is called SICT at Britax Römer, from SIP+ at BeSafe or L.S.P. at Cybex

• Adjustable headrest

To offer maximum security and comfort as the child gets older, it is possible to opt for a range of car booster seats which adjust both in height and in width to adapt to the morphology of older children. However, beware of the space available in the vehicle with this type of booster seat, especially if you already have several other car seats installed. Conversely, other less sophisticated models only offer height adjustment of the headrest.

• ISOFIX Attachment

Unlike car seats, the ISOFIX® mounting system is simply to secure and stabilise the booster seat in the rear seats of the vehicle, particularly when the child is not using the seat. In all cases, it is always the 3-point seat belt of the vehicle, allowing the child to be strapped in and secured. The booster seat can also be used in any car.

• The Pad

It is a protection system which can be found at Britax Römer (XP-Pad) and BeSafe (Pad+). At BeSafe, it is both a protection and comfort which is specifically designed to prevent the belt from rubbing against the child's neck and to prevent the child from putting his arm over the belt. At Britax, it is a small cushion which absorbs impact by preventing the child's chin from hitting the chest in the event of a collision.

• Seat Dimensions

More and more manufacturers are offering compact booster seats to enable large families or owners of small vehicles to easily fit several seats in the rear bench seat in most vehicles. This is particularly the case with booster seats such as the BeSafe iZi Flex Fixthe Maxi-Cosi Kore i-Size and the Britax Römer Kidfix M i-Size.

How to Install a Car Booster Seat?

The car booster seat is generally placed facing the road, usually at the rear of the vehicle. However, it is also possible to install it at the front of the vehicle, always ensuring the child's safety. Whatever its approval, the car booster seat is held in place by the vehicle's 3-point safety belt. While most booster seats with backrests have an ISOFIX attachment for added stability, it is above all the seatbelt that provides protection, restraining the child and the booster seat in the event of an accident.

When the booster seat is not in use, it is essential to secure it correctly to prevent it becoming a danger to passengers in the event of sudden braking or an accident. Most models can be secured using ISOFIX anchor points. However, some manufacturers also recommend the use of seat belts. Always make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the safety of all passengers.

What Age Are Booster Car Seats For ?

Although age is often mentioned as a reason for switching from a car seat to a booster seat, it's actually the child's height or weight that should guide your choice, depending on the approval of the booster seat. In theory, from the age of 3, if a child is over 100 cm tall and weighs at least 15 kg, he or she can use a booster seat until around the age of 12. However, there's no need to rush into switching from a car seat to a booster seat. We recommend keeping your child in a rear facing car seat as long as possible, depending on the height and/or weight limits authorised by your model. This position offers greater protection in the event of an accident, especially a frontal impact.

What should I do if my child exceeds the height or weight of the booster seat?

It often happens that a child's height or weight does not correspond exactly to the standards. For example, some children reach the height of 150 cm well before their 10th birthday, exempting them from using a car seat. Similarly, a 12-year-old child, even if he or she has not yet reached this height, is no longer legally obliged to use a booster seat, although he or she can still continue to use one.

If your 10-year-old child weighs more than 36 kg but has not yet reached 150 cm, we recommend using a booster seat. Although most booster seats are designed for children weighing up to 36 kg, it's a good idea to opt for a model that complies with the R129 (i-Size) standard, to ensure that your child is properly protected up to 150 cm.

How do I choose the right car booster seat?

Le best car booster seat must offer a high level of safety and comfort so that your child can travel in good conditions. Depending on the manufacturer and model, you'll mainly find differences in design, ergonomics and safety features on offer. Make sure that the booster seat complies with the standards in force and that it has obtained good results in the tests. ADAC crash tests.

Whatever the model of car booster seat you choose, don't forget to also check the dimensions of the booster seat, especially if you're travelling with several children on board.

Finally, whatever your budget, opt for a booster seat with a backrest to guarantee your child optimum protection and comfort.

Today, the use of a booster seat with backrest remains the best solution for several reasons:

• It makes the use of safety belt more comfortable
• It allows you to position the safety belt at an appropriate height for the child's safety
• He protects the child's body in the event of side impact
• He supports the child's head when he falls asleep
• Le belt guidance follows the child's torso and helps maintain good posture during the journey, which is essential in the event of a head-on collision.
• It guarantees great security

Our Selection Of The Best Car Booster Seats

Every year, several independent testing bodies such as ADAC and TCS evaluates a selection of car seats and booster seats of all makes to assess their performance in terms of safety, comfort and pollutants. Our selection of car booster seats takes all these criteria into account to offer you an overview of the best car seats available. best booster seats in recent years. Visit ADAC crash test scores are respectively between 0.5 (the best) and 5.5 (the worst).

• Joie i-Traver

Le Joie i-Traver is a lightweight, comfortable and extremely safe car booster seat that has received excellent results in crash tests. This car seat is approved in accordance with i-Size standard for children from 100 to 150 kg (Group 2/3). Visit Joie i-Traver adapts easily to the child's size and allows them to travel in complete safety, thanks in particular to a adjustable headrest height, but above all thanks to a seat depth adjustable (3 positions) for better leg rest. It has a reinforced protection system in the event of a side impact (Guard Surround Safety). This car booster seat can be installed using ISOFIX fixings or the vehicle's safety belt, which can also be used to secure the child in the seat.

Features of the Joie i-Traver

• i-Sier approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 15 to 36 kg
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Reinforced side guards (Guard Surrounf Safety)
• Adjustable seat depth
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 48.5-56×40.9×70.5-85.4 cm
• Weight: 5.7 kg

• Britax Römer Kidfix III M

Le Britax Römer Kidfix III M is an elegant and comfortable booster seat that completes the range of Cybex Kidfix booster seats. It is a model of the group 2/3 approved according to standard R44/04 for children from 15 to 36 kg. The booster seat Kidfix III M is equipped with a retractable side protection system (SICT) and a fourth safety point (SecureGuard) to improve belt routing. It also has a height-adjustable padded headrest, a V-shaped backrest, a machine-washable cover and an ISOFIX attachment system to stabilise the seat.

Features of the Britax Römer Kidfix III M

• R44/04 approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 15 to 36 kg
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Retractable side protection (SICT)
• Additional belt guide (SecureGuard)
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 43x54x67-85 cm
• Weight: 7.5 kg

• Cybex Solution S-Fix

Le Cybex Solution S-Fix is R44/04 approved, and is one of the safest and most comfortable in its category for children from 15 to 36 kg (Group 2/3). Thanks to its excellent crash-test results in 2018This model has become very popular with parents. The Cybex Solution S-Fix is equipped with a host of features, including retractable side guards (L.S.P System), a V-shaped reclining backrest, 3 belt guides, an air circulation system and a machine-washable cover. Above all, it has a height-adjustable, 3-position reclining headrest that prevents the child's head from tilting when asleep. The child is secured in the seat using the car's safety belt, but can also be stabilised using the ISOFIX attachment system.

The Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix is a version identical to the Solution S-Fix, but approved according to the R129 (i-Size) regulation for children from 100 to 150 cm.

Features of the Cybex Solution S-Fix

• R44/04 approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 15 to 36 kg
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Integrated Linear Side Impact Protection (L.S.P. system)
• Reclining headrest
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 40.5x50x61 cm
• Weight: 6.2 kg

• Cybex Solution M-Fix

Le Cybex Solution M-Fix is a Group 2/3 car seat, approved to standard R44/04 for children from 15 to 36 kg. Thanks to its excellent crash-test scores, this seat offers optimum protection for your child in the event of an accident. It is equipped with a retractable side protection (L.S.P. System), which improves the safety of the child's head and shoulders. The car booster seat is fitted using the safety belt, but can also be easily installed in the rear of the car using ISOFIX fixings. What's more, it has an optimised air circulation system, a multi-position adjustable headrest and the covers are easy to remove and machine washable. The Cybex Solution M-Fix is therefore an ideal safety and comfort solution for parents looking to ensure their child's safety in the car.

Features of the Cybex Solution M-Fix

• R44/04 approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 15 to 36 kg
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Lateral protection system (L.S.P. System)
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 37x54x61.5 cm
• Weight: 5.9 kg

• Britax Kidfix M i-Size

The Britax Römer Kidfix M i-Size is suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm. Its modern design features an ergonomic V-shaped backrest, a wide, deep seat and a padded headrest that can be adjusted with just one hand. The rigid shell protects the child's fragile body in the event of an impact, and the ventilation openings in the backrest ensure an optimum temperature. The car seat is fitted with Isofix connectors and the car's seat belt, and can also be installed without Isofix.

Features of the Britax Kidfix i-Size

• i-Size approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Ergonomic seat
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 42x44x63-83 cm
• Weight: 6.5 kg

• Cybex Solution Z i-Fix

Le Cybex Solution Z i-Fix is an R129 (i-Size) approved booster seat for children from 100 to 150 cm. This highly safe and comfortable model has top marks in crash tests in 2020. It has an adjustable headrest and an automatically adjustable backrest to adapt to the child's growth. The Solution Z i-Fix can be fitted with three-point safety belts or ISOFIX attachments. It has optimised side impact protection (L.S.P System) and an air circulation system to keep your child comfortable on long journeys. The Cybex Solution Z i-Fix is therefore an ideal safety and comfort solution for parents looking to ensure their child's safety in the car.

Le Cybex Solution Z-Fix is a similar version of Solution Z i-Fix but it is approved in accordance with the R44/04 regulation for 15 to 36 kg.

Features of the Cybex Solution Z i-Fix

• R129 (i-Size) approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Side impact protection (L.S.P. System)
• Automatic adjustment of backrest height and width
• Reclining headrest
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 40.5x53x62.5 cm
• Weight: 7.2 kg

• Bébé Confort / Maxi-Cosi RodiFix AirProtect

Le Maxi-Cosi RodiFix AirProtect is one of the most comfortable car seats approved to R44/04 regulations for children from 15 to 36 kg (Group 2/3). This booster seat is specifically equipped with gel inserts in the headrest (Air Protect), which make the seat more comfortable and provide better head protection in the event of a side impact. The seat also features adjustable recline, improved belt guides, ISOFIX attachments for greater stability, a height-adjustable headrest and machine-washable covers. As well as getting excellent results in crash tests, This model is very easy to use and offers optimum comfort for the child. The Maxi-Cosi RodiFix AirProtect is therefore an excellent option for parents looking to keep their child safe and comfortable in the car.

Features of the Maxi Cosi RodiFix AirProtect

• R44/04 approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 15 to 36 kg
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Side protection system (AirProtect)
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 51×49-54×63.5-84.5 cm
• Weight: 6.2 kg

• BeSafe iZi Flex Fix i-Size

The BeSafe iZi Flex Fix sise is the first booster seat to be approved in accordance with the R129 (i-Size) regulation. Designed for children from 100 to 150 cm (i.e. from around 4 to 12 years of age), this car seat features triple retractable side impact protection, a reclining backrest, a height-adjustable V-shaped headrest, four belt guides and a Pad+ protective cushion. The BeSafe iZi Flex i-Fix combines a high level of safety and comfort, confirmed by its excellent crash-test results. What's more, its compact design means that several booster seats or car seats can be installed without taking up too much space in the back seat of the car. Fully removable, this car seat is an ideal solution for parents who want to ensure their child's safety in the car.

Features of BeSafe iZi Flex Fix i-Size

• R129 (i-Size) approved booster seat
• Suitable for children from 100 to 150 cm
• Excellent results in ADAC & TCS crash tests
• Two additional side guards
• Side impact protection (SIP+)
• Belt cushion (PAD+)
• ISOFIX attachment points
• Dimensions (DxWxH): 42×44-52×64-82 cm
• Weight: 7 kg