peeps

Hi,

What car seat is appropiate for a 4 yr old in Perth - a baby seat or would a booster seat be ok? We are hiring a car and we have to decide which seat to hire with the rental. Thanks.

h2oskineil

Hi ya

Here's some info for you.
If you want the seat to be fitted correctly, call the RAC (9228 4633) that is the number for the fitting centre in Perth CBD. They are flexible and will fit at short notice.

Child booster cushion (14kg to 26kg)
Once your child reaches 14kg, they are able to use a child booster cushion. The primary safety benefit of this type is to elevate the child to a level where they are effectively restrained by the vehicle's seat belt.
If using a child booster cushion, the eye level of your child should not exceed the level of the car seat back or headrest whilst they are seated. Also ensure that the seat belt follows the appropriate path to hold the child booster cushion in place and (preferably) use it in the centre seating position with a lap/sash belt or a child safety harness with a lap belt.

Polystyrene Booster seat (14ks to 26 kg)
Booster seats are incorporated with a high back and side wings to minimise movement of the child within the seat.
Most booster seats also have a sash locator guide to help position the vehicle's seat belt in the correct position across the child's shoulder to ensure that it does not rub against the child's neck.
Safety child booster seat (14kg to 26kg)
This new product is now available in Australia. It combines the safety aspects of a child restraint with the benefits of a booster seat. It can be used for children from 14kg to 26kg and is constructed from a compression resistant plastic. Its safety features include an upper tether strap to reduce neck and head injuries and an anchor point for a child safety harness attachment.
Child booster seats should not be used if your child's eye level exceeds the top edge of the car seat back or the child booster seat back.
To maximise your child's safety it is advisable to use a child safety harness in conjunction with a booster seat.
Never use a lap only seat belt with a booster seat. In the event of crash, using a lap only belt will result in the child's upper body being more likely to come into contact with the inside of the vehicle.

Child safety harness (14kg to 32kg)
The purpose of the child safety harness is to improve upper torso support by controlling movement from the pelvis to the shoulders therefore, further protecting your child in a collision.
The harness should only be used when the child's shoulders are below the top of the car seat back or headrest.
The child safety harness is attached to a rear anchorage point and is used in conjunction with any other adult seat belt.
A gated buckle should be used to convert a lap/sash seat belt into a lap only device, so it can fit through the lower section of the harness.
It is important to note that a child safety harness must be utilised if the child booster seat is used with a lap only seat belt.
Note - cushions should not be used in place of a booster seat, as they compress, resulting in your child slipping under the seat belt causing serious injury or strangulation, especially in a collision.
You may need to use a child restraint for a short period of time (if you have a visitor with a baby) and purchasing a restraint may not be a viable option. In this instance you can hire a child restraint. There are a number of outlets in the Perth metropolitan area catering for short and long term hire of restraints.
Whether purchasing or hiring a child restraint, it is important to do your research beforehand. The restraint should be able to meet your immediate and future needs. The safety of your child must be foremost in your mind, don't take unnecessary risks.

More info here.
http://rac.com.au/index.cfm?objectid...DBC7BDA824DBCF

More info.
http://www.childcarrestraints.com.au/

Cheers
Neil.

peeps

Thanks Neil for that. That helped alot.

PoppetUK

Just in case you wonder about cost of the boosters I've just been to toys r us in Cannington (not far from Perth). The foam ones with the back are about $50. You can use that with the normal seat belt but they do recommend using the harness now with all the high back boosters. They are about $30.

For reference there is also a company that you can hire the seats

http://www.perthbabyhire.com.au/

Have a good trip

peeps

Thanks. The rental car company will provide the seat but asked whether I wanted a baby seat or a booster. He is in a booster now here at home but I didn't know what the regulations are for Perth - seems I'll be fine with a booster. Will keep TOYS R US in mind when we eventually settle in perth and looking to buy a seat.