Transitioning a child from a forward-facing harnessed car seat to a belt-positioning booster is one of the most significant and most debated steps in child passenger safety. While many booster seats advertise minimum weights such as 15 to 18 kg, these manufacturer thresholds do not reflect developmental readiness, musculoskeletal maturity, or behavioural capability. Across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, evidence strongly supports keeping children in harnessed restraints well past three years old, with most safety agencies recommending at least five years old before considering a booster.

Car Seat EducationMichelle Whittaker15 November 2025booster seat, child restraint, height 148 cm, best practice, car safety