How to choose a booster

Booster - a chair without a back, which is attached to the car seat. Since the growth of the child is much less than the height of an adult, the use of seat belts inconvenience the young passenger, and in the event of an accident can increase the number of injuries. Therefore, to raise the cub to the desired level and to ensure the correct installation of the belt, you must use a booster.

Which manufacturer to choose

The main goal of the booster is to ensure the safety of the young passenger. Therefore, it is important to choose those products that have passed strict quality control, participated in crash tests and received safety certificates.

One of the best manufacturers of car booster seats are:

Clek;
Heyner;
Chicco;
Caretero;
Siger;
TEAM TEX (Nania).

What to look for when buying

Booster type

Boosters, as a rule, are included in the third group of car seats. Such products are designed for 22–36 kg of a child’s weight, at least 120–130 cm in height. But some models can be used for children weighing 15–36 kg (3–12 years old) - a group of 2/3.

Car seats are divided into three types:

Extruded foam boosters are lightweight and comfortable models. They are low cost, easy to transport and take up little space. But in the event of an accident, they can not ensure the safety of the child. In case of an accident, such boosters break right under the calf, as a result of which the passenger can receive additional damage from seat belts.
Shockproof plastic boosters are stronger than foam products. They have a low price and low weight. Such products ensure the safety of a small passenger. Some plastic constructions are complemented by damping inserts that absorb the impact force.
Metal frame boosters are the strongest models. They are made as a sandwich. On top of the metal frame there are several protective layers (for example, foam and polypropylene) and a soft overlay with a cloth. Such products are heavier and more expensive models of foam and plastic, but they provide a more comfortable and safe stay of the child in the car.

Mounts

Most products are fixed by regular seat belts. But such a mount can not guarantee a reliable fit of the booster to the seat - in the event of an accident, the model can lose and the belt can harm the baby.

Latch and Isofix mounts, which connect the car seat to the car body, are considered the most reliable.

Design

It is best to choose products with armrests. This will make the trip more comfortable, will help the child to keep at sharp turns and maintain the correct position according to the seat belts.

Tips for choosing

When buying, keep in mind that the booster will be used for several years. Therefore, choose a model with a cover that can be removed and washed in a typewriter.
The presence of an ergonomic seat will make the trip more comfortable, and the child’s legs will not get numb.
Choose products marked ECE R44 / 04 or ECE R44 / 03. This is an indicator that the car seats have passed strict quality control and are completely safe for the child.
Cannot use used car seats.If in the past the booster had a small accident, it could affect its durability. In the event of a new accident, the product may not withstand the load, and the child will take the full blow on himself.
The booster should be chosen not only by the weight and height of the child. He still has to meet the size of the seat and the length of the car seat belts.
The young passenger should feel comfortable in the booster, even when he is wearing warm outer clothing.