Rules for using a baby booster and rating of the best models
Content
- What is a baby car booster
- When can I switch from a car seat to a booster seat?
- What are the requirements in the SDA
- What height and weight should a child have to travel in a booster
- Why is a booster better than a chair
- Penalty for incorrect transportation
- How to choose a booster for traveling with children
- Boosters for kids: rating of the best
There are also penalties for improper transportation for taxi drivers. For them, sanctions include more than just the payment of a fine. The transportation of children in transport without special devices may be regarded by the inspector as the provision of services in violation of safety rules. Punishment for this is provided for in the Criminal Code. In addition to a fine, the driver can be sentenced to imprisonment.
The current traffic rules allow the use of boosters for transporting children from 3 years old. When buying, it is important to take into account the height of the child and his body weight. The most reliable are devices with a metal, durable frame.
What is a baby car booster
A car baby booster is a special restraint device for transporting children in a car. It was developed specifically for passengers from 3 to 12 years old.
Booster is a small soft seat, it is fixed in the cabin. It may not have a back and internal fixing straps.
Baby car booster
The main function of this device is to provide the child with a higher landing in transport. If the baby is on a standard seat, the belts pass at the level of his neck and pose a threat to life. When installing the booster, fixation occurs at chest level, which meets safety requirements.
All certified boosters for transporting children can be divided into 2 large groups. Category "2/3" is suitable for passengers weighing 15 - 36 kg. The set includes a seat and a strap that adjusts the position of the regular belt on the child's chest. Group "3" is produced without additional accessories. It is suitable for children weighing 22 -36 kg.
Boosters are made from different materials, models are:
- plastic;
- foam;
- on a steel frame.
Plastic boosters are light, practical and safe. In addition, they are affordable. This type is chosen by most parents for practicality, lightness and functionality.
Styrofoam devices can be bought at the lowest price. They are light, but fragile and impractical. These boosters do not provide adequate protection to the child in the event of an accident,
Seats on a metal frame have the largest dimensions and weight. The base is covered with a soft fabric. Such devices have the highest price, but they are the most reliable and safe for the child.
When can I switch from a car seat to a booster seat?
Boosters are not considered separately in the law. According to the current traffic rules, children must be transported in special devices up to seven years. From 7 to 11 years old, children can be fastened with regular seat belts by sitting in the back seats of the car. In the front seats, you definitely need chairs or boosters for transporting children from 7 years old. From the age of 12, young passengers in vehicles drive the same way as adults.
Thus, the traffic rules do not limit the age for the transition from a chair to a booster. The issue is decided based on the body weight and height of the child. In each case, the device is selected individually. The minimum age when many parents start considering boosters for transporting children is from 3 years old
What are the requirements in the SDA
The last changes on this issue to the SDA were made in the summer of 2017. To date, the wording in the rules is rather vague. The terms "child restraint systems or devices" are used. In fact, for sale you can find:
- car seats for transporting children;
- boosters;
- adapters and other devices.
All devices for children according to the traffic rules must be suitable for body weight and height. A mandatory requirement is the presence of fixing seat belts or the use of standard ones.
Seats, boosters or other restraint systems for transportation must be installed exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Unauthorized changes to the design are not allowed.
The law allows the use of boosters for transporting children from 3 years old, approved for use by the UNECE (European Economic Commission) Regulations. You can check this on the label on the device. It should bear the mark of UNECE No. 44-04. On Russian-made devices, an identical GOST may be indicated.
Some models are not marked on the body, but only in the documents. When buying such a booster, you need to require a product quality certificate. It will allow you to prove the suitability of the model when checking on the road. Otherwise, the inspector may issue a fine.
What height and weight should a child have to travel in a booster
Children who are at least 1m 20 cm tall can be put in a booster. If the child is not tall enough, his spine will not have sufficient support. Fixing in the car will be unreliable. In this case, it is better to choose a standard car seat.
The minimum body weight of a child for transplanting into a booster is 15 kg. You need to choose a device based on the combination of these indicators. A child at 3-4 years old may have a suitable weight, but small stature.
The traffic police officer, when checking on the road, most likely will not measure the parameters of the child, it is important for him to have a device in the cabin. The choice of a seat or a buster is a matter of parental concern for the health and safety of children.
Why is a booster better than a chair
Compared to the "classic" chair, boosters have some advantages. The main advantages, because of which many parents buy these devices:
- Low price - a new booster for transporting children can be bought for 2 - 3 thousand rubles. This is several times cheaper than a “standard” chair.
- Small dimensions and weight. The seat is easy to carry, if necessary, it can be easily placed in the trunk.
- Ease of fixation. If the machine is provided with Isofix mounts, this simplifies the task even more.
- Comfort for the child throughout the trip. If the model is chosen correctly, the child's back does not get numb and he feels good even on long journeys.
Car seat
It is advisable to choose a booster for transporting children in a car in stores where you can require a quality certificate. On the market you can find budget models without documents. However, their quality and safety are questionable.
Penalty for incorrect transportation
All violations of the transportation of children under 12 years old in the passenger compartment are given in article 12.23 of part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. The amount of the fine for any of them in 2021 is 3 thousand rubles. The following are considered violations of the rules:
- Transportation in the car of passengers up to 7 years without any fixing device that meets the requirements. This includes both chairs and boosters.
- The trip of a child under 11 years old next to the driver, if a booster is not installed in the car.
- Incorrect transportation with a fixing device. The child can sit in the booster, but he was not fastened with seat belts.
- The situation when the booster itself is not fixed to the car seats.
The purpose of this penalty has several features. When it is written out, no time is given for elimination. The inspector can fine the owner of the vehicle many times during the day under the same article of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
If the traffic police officer revealed the wrong transportation of 2-3 children at the same time, the fine will be issued as for 1 case. It is not the number of children that is taken into account, but the fact of the violation. At the same time, the car is not seized and is not evacuated to the impound.
The car owner can pay a fine with a 50% discount within 3 weeks after the protocol is drawn up. Such a violation cannot be recorded by security cameras, but only by a traffic police officer.
There are also penalties for improper transportation for taxi drivers. For them, sanctions include more than just the payment of a fine. The transportation of children in transport without special devices may be regarded by the inspector as the provision of services in violation of safety rules. Punishment for this is provided for in the Criminal Code. In addition to a fine, the driver can be sentenced to imprisonment.
How to choose a booster for traveling with children
A booster for a car is not only a requirement of traffic rules, but also protection for a child. That is why the purchase must be approached very responsibly.
It is recommended to follow several important rules:
- Preliminarily study on the Internet the interested booster for transporting children in a car, photos and reviews of other buyers.
- Take a small passenger with you to the store. Let the baby actively participate in the choice. Mom can put him in a chair, check if the straps fit. The device should be spacious and comfortable so that the child can safely spend several hours in it.
- Having chosen a suitable model, carry out a fitting in the car. It is necessary to fix the device and re-seat the child in it. The belt should fit correctly on the chest and shoulder. It is important that the landing is not too high - in the event of an accident, the child may hit his face.
- Boosters with a back are safer and more comfortable for the baby.
- Armrests must be chosen high enough.
In the store you can find child restraints from different manufacturers. All boosters for transporting children from 3 years old differ in materials, price and quality. Experts advise to pay attention to:
- Material quality. Most often, the booster consists of 3 layers - the frame, soft material and skin. The seat should not be of medium hardness. It is best for the child himself.
- Product price. Styrofoam models can be bought for 500-800 rubles, but they are of poor quality. Plastic boosters can be bought for 1-2 thousand rubles. The highest cost is up to 7 thousand rubles. - Seats with a metal frame.
- Dimensions - the width and height of the seat. If the booster is purchased for several years, it is better to choose the “with a margin” model.
- The quality and material of the fasteners. It is preferable to choose models with Isofix or Latch locking mechanisms.
Most models are designed to travel in the back seat of a car.
Boosters for kids: rating of the best
The rating of boosters for transporting children is based on customer reviews and estimates from auto experts. According to experts, a quality product included in the top of the best should have:
- Rigid frame made of plastic or metal - foam models break easily at the slightest mechanical impact. This poses a threat to the life and health of the child.
- "Medium" level of armrests. If they are too low, the belt puts a lot of pressure on the body. With an excessively high location, the fixation will be in the abdomen, which is dangerous for the child.
- Corrective brace - it holds the belt and prevents it from shifting around the child's neck.
- Moderately firm seat with a sloping front edge.
- Hypoallergenic top cover that is easy to remove and wash.
Some products have additional options - anatomical pillows, ISOFIX mounts, cup holders, etc.
Booster group 2/3 (15-36 kg) Peg-Perego Viaggio Shuttle
The booster of this brand is designed specifically for long-distance trips. The seat is designed in such a way as to provide the baby with maximum comfort and safety during the journey. The base is made of two layers of expandable polystyrene. The first, denser, "absorbs" the load during emergency braking. The second layer is softer, making the chair ergonomic and comfortable.
Booster group 2 3
The built-in armrest is located so that it is convenient for the child to lean on it. The seat is equipped with a built-in base and has a perfect grip with the passenger seats of the car.
There are two ways to mount a booster for transporting children to the cabin. Fixation with Isofix hooks is considered more reliable. You can also fasten the device together with the child with the car's regular seat belts. To control the fixation and correct installation, the Blind Lock system is provided. The belt on the back has a height adjuster and lies exactly on the passenger's shoulder.
If necessary, the Peg-Perego Viaggio Shuttle booster can be easily removed from the car. It doesn't take up too much space in the trunk. There is a convenient handle for carrying. The model is equipped with a cup holder.
| Model specifications | |
| The weight | 3 kg |
| Dimensions | 44x41x24 cm |
| Group | 2/3 (15 - 36 kg) |
| Mounting type | Regular car belts, Isofix |
| Internal booster straps | No |
| Producing country | Italy |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Booster group 2/3 (15-36 kg) RANT Flyfix, gray
Most buyers highly appreciated the convenience and reliability of this model. The back of the booster is made in such a way that it smoothes the gap between the seat and the back of the regular car seat. This makes the trip as comfortable as possible and protects the child's spine.
The Isofix mount allows you to securely fix the model and protect the passenger even during emergency braking of the car. The system has long "legs" that are suitable for any brand of car. If necessary, they make it easy to lift the child seat and vacuum the space underneath.
The frame and upholstery are made of high quality materials. The material of the cover is very pleasant to the touch. It is easy to clean if the child gets the seat dirty with ice cream or juice.
In addition to the advantages of the booster, some buyers noted several disadvantages:
- The high price of a booster for transporting children in a car - on average, such a model can be bought for 5,5 thousand rubles.
- The joints between parts made of different materials are not very aesthetically pleasing.
- For everyday carrying, the device is too heavy and uncomfortable. This is not a problem if you need to install it in your own car. When traveling in a taxi, there is not enough handle for transportation.
In general, buyers recommended the model as convenient and reliable.
| Model specifications | |
| The weight | 4 kg |
| Dimensions | 39x44x30 cm |
| Group | 2/3 (15 - 36 kg) |
| Mounting type | Isofix |
| Internal booster straps | No |
| Manufacturer country | China |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Booster group 3 (22-36 kg) Heyner SafeUp XL Fix, Koala Gray
The model belongs to group 3 and is intended for children over 4 years old weighing from 22 to 36 kg. The booster can be installed in the back seat of the car and fixed with a regular belt or using the Isofix system. The device will be securely fixed even when the child is not in the cabin. An additional strap allows you to adjust the position of the belt on the shoulder and chest of the child.
Booster group 3
The ergonomic shape allows the little passenger to travel comfortably even over long distances. The seat is quite high, so the child can clearly see everything that happens outside the window. Soft armrests allow you to comfortably put your hands and relax. When the car stops, the child can get off the seat and sit back, leaning on them. The front seat cushion is extended so that the child's legs do not go numb when traveling.
According to the manufacturer, this booster for transporting children in a car is designed for 12 years of continuous operation. The company gives a 2-year warranty on its product.
| Model specifications | |
| The weight | 3600 g |
| Dimensions | 47x44x20 cm |
| Group | 3 (22 - 36 kg) |
| Mounting type | Isofix and standard car belts |
| Internal booster straps | No |
| Producing country | Germany |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Booster group 3 (22-36 kg) Graco Booster Basic (Sport Lime), opal sky
The device is recommended for transporting children from five years old (taking into account height and weight). The frame is made of plastic with metal elements.
Belt adapters allow you to adjust the position of the belt according to your child's height. The covers are made of hypoallergenic fabric and are machine washable. If necessary, they are easy to remove.
| Model specifications | |
| The weight | 2 kg |
| Dimensions | 53,7h40h21,8 see |
| Group | 3 (22 - 36 kg) |
| Mounting type | Regular car belts |
| Internal booster straps | No |
| Producing country | USA |
| Warranty | 6 months |
