High Back Booster vs. Backless Booster Seat

There are not many decisions, when it comes to your car, that are more important than choosing a booster seat for your child.

Like choosing new car tyres, the safety implications are extremely important. You want to ensure you make the right choice. And that you stick to the rules of the road.

In the UK, the law requires that children use a child car seat, or booster seat, until they are 12 years old – or 4ft 5 in (135cm).

Failure to comply with this law not only puts your child in significant danger, but also carries a fixed penalty fine of £60 - and three penalty points on the driver's license.

If the case goes to court, the fine can increase to a maximum of £500.

What is the difference between a booster and a child car seat?

Before we go any further it might be worth taking a moment to clarify the difference between a child’s car seat and a booster seat.

By definition, a booster is a seat that your child sits on and uses the seat belt system of the vehicle as a safety restraint.

Whereas a child’s car seat utilises a 5-point harness as the main restraint for the child. Think the straps that you have to put in place around your baby and clip together.

Backless Booster Seat

What is a backless booster seat? As the name suggests, a backless booster seat is essentially a seat on its own.

There is no back or headrest for the child. Their sole purpose is to raise the child up high enough that the car’s seat belt system can be used correctly – with the straps falling into place at the correct points on the body.

As such, a backless booster seat offers little to no protection from side impacts.

Due to the fact they are not as protective as a backed booster seat, they are not as duly recommended. However, their one advantage is they are generally cheaper. For families on a low-income, they can be the only option.

High Back Booster Seat

Like the backless version, a high back booster seat raises the child’s height so that they can use an adult seatbelt safely.

However, they have the bonus of a back and headrest. These help to keep the child in place and provide padded protection.

In the event of an accident, this type of booster seat is much more effective at protecting the head, neck and back of a child.

They are considered by many to be the safer option. Due to their added levels of protection. Wherever possible it is a good idea to use one of these over the backless boosters. However, I appreciate money is a factor in buying a backed booster seat. Their added features do drive up the price.

When can I switch to a booster seat in the UK?

The UK law is quite clear on when you can transition your child from a child seat to a booster seat.

It will depend mainly on your child’s height and weight. Generally once they are around 3 years old they can move to a booster seat. As long as they are 15kg. The booster seat needs to be suitable for their age and height.

So, make sure you check the specifications of any booster you are interested in buying.

What is the law for booster seats in the UK?

By law in the UK, a child must use a booster or car seat until they are either 12 years old or 135 cm – whichever comes first.

The rules around the use backless and backed booster seats is little less straightforward. Unfortunately for parents.

From the 1st of March 2017 onwards, a backless booster seat can only be used by a child that is taller than 125cm – and weight greater than 22kg.

However – if a backless booster seat was manufactured before this date, they are technically legal for use for children who weigh between 15-36kg.

Given the enhanced safety abilities for a booster seat with a back, it is better to use this type of vehicle.

When can a child travel without a booster seat?

Once a child is 3 years old or more, they can legally travel in the back seat of a without a child car seat. But they will still need to use a booster seat.

The exceptions to the rule of a child needing to sit in a booster seat can occur on these occasions:

• in a taxi or minicab
• in a minibus, coach or van
• you are on an unexpected journey (i.e. an emergency)