How to Fit a Child in a High Back Booster Seat

Important

This guide provides general fitting advice only. Always read your car seat user manual and follow the manufacturer instructions for your specific seat. If you are unsure about installation or fit, contact your retailer or a trained car seat specialist for tailored support.

High Back Booster Fitting Guide

High back booster seats position the adult seatbelt correctly on your child’s body. Achieving a good belt fit is essential for safety.

• Position your child fully back in the seat

Your child should sit all the way back with their bottom against the backrest and their back flat against the seat.

• Adjust the headrest to the correct height

The headrest should be adjusted so it supports the head and keeps the belt guide positioned correctly, usually around a 2-finger gap between the bottom of the headrest and the shoulders.

• Check the shoulder belt position

The seatbelt should sit across the middle of the shoulder, not cutting into the neck or slipping off the shoulder.

• Check the lap belt position

The lap belt should sit low across the hips and upper thighs, not across the stomach.

• Ensure the belt is not twisted

The seatbelt should lie flat and untwisted across your child’s body. Both parts of the vehicle seatbelt need to be under the horn/arm rest closest to the buckle.

Helpful Tips

• Encourage good seating behaviour

Children should remain sitting upright and not leaning forward or slouching, as this can affect how the seatbelt protects them. If they’re are unable to do this then they may not be ready for a high backed booster.

• Check belt fit on every journey

Even if the seat is set up correctly, children can move around. A quick check each time helps ensure the belt is still positioned safely.

FAQ

What if the seatbelt touches my child’s neck?

This usually means the headrest or belt guide needs adjusting. The belt should sit across the middle of the shoulder, not the neck. Never place the belt under the arm or behind the back.

When can my child stop using a car seat?

Children legally must use a car seat until they are 135 cm or 12 years old (whichever comes first) in the UK, but it is safest to use a high backed booster up to 150cm for optimum protection. The child must pass the 5 step test before they are safe to travel without any seat. A backless booster may be needed between 150cm and they being able to pass the 5 step test.