The tickets are booked, the bags are packed, everything is ready for your eagerly awaited family holiday. But what about car seats?
If your trusted car seat isn’t easy to transport, and you don’t want to rely on whatever options the car hire or Uber driver has available, buying something you can travel with is a good idea. Your options largely fall into one of two categories, travel car seats or portable booster seats.
When Should a Child Start Using a Booster Seat
Children need a travel car seat suitable for their age and size, which for babies and toddlers typically means a rear-facing harnessed car seat. Once your child has outgrown the need for a harness and is old enough to sit on a booster (usually around 4+), travelling gets a whole lot easier.
At this point, one of the biggest concerns isn’t your child getting free of their seat, but the seatbelt itself. Seatbelts were designed for a fully grown adult, positioned from hip to hip and from hip to shoulder. On a child, the seatbelt is much too high, which is why booster seats were created. The thick seat lifts children to a height that lets the seatbelt work properly, so they can benefit from the same safety features you do as an adult.
While a portable booster seat doesn’t have the side impact protection of a full-backed model, seats sold in New Zealand still have to meet stringent safety regulations, so they’re a great backup when your usual car seat is too bulky to bring along.
Benefits of Using a Booster Seat
Like any product, there can be big differences in the quality between different brands. At Moose Baby, we sell the BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat because of its safety credentials and great reviews from parents.
- Safe for travel, meeting ECE R44/04 safety regulations and approved for use in New Zealand, the UK, Europe, the USA and Asia.
- Easy to pack, with a deflatable design that can be tucked into your backpack or carry-on when you’re not using it.
- Light to carry at just 500g, ideal if you’re walking between journeys.
- Quick to inflate, taking around 20 seconds to blow up by mouth.
- Slim enough to fit three across, if you’re travelling with siblings or friends.
- Made for years of use, with a design that suits children aged 4-11 and 15-36kg.
Booster Seat FAQs
Are booster seats safe for children?
Yes, provided you choose an approved booster that fits your child and vehicle correctly. Always check the height and weight limits of the booster you’re considering, as these vary between products.
What is the age range for using a booster seat?
It depends on the individual restraint and your child's size. The BubbleBum is designed for children aged 4-11, weighing 15-36 kg. NZTA recommends using an appropriate restraint or booster until your child is 148 cm tall.
What should parents look for in a booster seat?
Check that it meets an approved safety standard and suits your child's height and weight. For travel, also consider how easy it is to carry, store and fit into different vehicles.
