General Chat

We were a bit worried by this new law, our 8 year old is growing fast and would be most embarrassed at having to use a booster seat after so long being a big boy like his older brother (it goes without saying, he would have had no choice if he needed one all the same!) So yesterday we had him measured...and he is 139cm..so no seat needed....major relief all round. I would think as a result that your Jamie would be ok Maz. I also get mad when i see children in the back of cars without the seatbelt on, what are the parents thinking of? Yvette

Theresa Would the ones you use at home fit in a suitcase? That is what we used to do. Penny

Thanks Sunny for nudgeing. (sorry watching X factor!) But thinking about it, if it is dangerous for children under 12, to be in cars without booster seats, how dangerous is it for my 19 year old? she only weighs 6 and a half stone, and she is technically smaller than most 12 year olds. Surely a small adult can suffer in an accident, just as much as a child. Maybe they should make it compulsory for all seat belts to have those adjusters on them that pull the belt snug onto the shoulder. We used to have them years ago when my 3 were 'small' and had just gone from car seat to booster seat. It was a pain though, to keep adjusting from a 4yr old childs height to an adults height. Sandra

If they are making an exception for a short one off journey who will judge this and what criteria will they use?

I think you might be ok for a short one off journey or maybe your friend could borrow some. Liz who will probably have to buy one as having Joe for the afternoon on Monday and his mum is sure to forget to get his from his dad before he goes off.

nudge for Sandra Smith

Doesn't apply to over 12 years of age, small in stature is accepted! Sunny

I realise that the law is there to make it safer for children in the car, but what about small adults? We had a right laugh yesterday, our whole family are on the small side, I'm 5ft nothing but my daughter is 19, and a driver, and only 4ft 9ins. She stood up against the height guideboard in mothercare, and was only just taller. My sis-in-law is filipino, and by the nature of her race is small, but she is very small, she was just below the height. We we just thinking about it, does this mean it's unsafe for her to drive without being in a booster seat? She does actually sit on a cushion anyway, and has one behind her back... She wouldn't let me ask the assistant in the shop! Sandra

Because the little one is so titchy bought an adapter from Ha**ords to hold seat belt down from neck, suex

The seat I bought has a raised bit at the back on either side for the seat belt to go under, rather like an armrest Sunny R

Gloryer Gloryer, Also felt like I was being strangled in car. If you can get hold of a Bet***w**e catalogue, they have brilliant plastic clip that fits to the seatbelt that holds it away from the neck. Cost £1.99 for two. Linda

We have a long wheel base landrover and the seats are sideways facing. Each child has a lap belt but I think it would be dangerous to use a booster seat. The trouble is even the police are not sure how we stand on this. They agree it would not be safe to use a booster seat in such a situation but no-one seems to know how we stand legally. Have looked at the web sites suggested but they do not seem to have thought about this problem either. Any suggestions? Sandra

I've always made sure my seven year old son sits in his booster seat when he is in our car but his friends always make fun of him for being in a baby seat which is irritating. Last time we took him out with his friends there was a fight as to who would sit in it once they discovered they get a better view out of the windows! lx

Hi all, my car is just going to be full of boosters, nannie to 5 chinese children ages range from 3-12, so far little titch has toddler seat, 7 year old booster now need another 3 lol, they will all be as tall as me when sat down. suex

Sorry to mislead everyone, my daughter told me it was yesterday,obviously she got it wrong and so did I. I have to add that James was thrilled that he now has a better view . Sunny

thank you for that! at least I have a couple of weeks to stretch him on the rack!! Maz. XX

Me too - thanks x

thanks for that penny and elaine - that has slightly put my mind at ease

according to newspaper the date is 18th SEPT, height 4ft 5in or 135 cm (i think) or 12 yrs old whichever comes soonest. Booster seats won't be needed for taxi's or emergency journeys where booster seat not available. Have twin step grandkids aged 8, the boy exceeds the height just, and the girl needs to grow another 5cm.

in comes into force on 18th September for children under 135cm the 3 exceptions are - in a taxi if a child restaint is not available - short distance in unexpected necessity if child restraint not available - where in the back if 2 child seats don't permit a third to be fitted http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/pdf/law-leaflet.pdf#search=%22law%20child%20booster%22