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3B’s
Please Note: This page is under revision and due for completion on or before the 20th of December 2024
Is Your Child Ready to Travel Without a Booster Seat?
Did you know? In Australia, ensuring the safety of our children on the road is a top priority. However, there are common misconceptions regarding when children should transition out of booster seats. Let’s delve into the facts and ensure every child travels safely.
Understanding Australian Child Restraint Laws and Why They Matter​
• Children up to 7 years must use an approved child restraint (car seat or booster seat) suitable for their size and age.
• From 7-12 years, children must use a booster seat or seat belt adjusted to fit properly, based on their height.
• Properly used child restraints reduce the risk of serious injury by up to 70%.
• A 2018 study by Austroads found that children using seat belts instead of booster seats had 5 times higher risks of injuries in car crashes.
IMPORTANCE OF BOOSTER SEATS
• Booster seats position the seat belt correctly across the child’s chest and pelvis, reducing the chance of abdominal or spinal injuries during a crash.
• Research indicates children often reach a suitable height for adult seat belts at around 11-12 years, depending on their growth.
• In a crash, seat belts can cause severe injuries if not properly positioned.
• Booster seats minimize this risk by accounting for a child’s smaller stature and developmental needs.
Is your child 145 cm tall? then you need to check the 3b's!
BODY
Can your child sit with their back against the seat and their knees bent over the edge of the seat base?
BELT
Is the lap belt on their hips and the sash sitting nicely on their shoulder?
BEHAVIOR
*Always use your child seat to it’s MAXIMUM limits, for your child’s sake.
Many children don’t grow out of their current booster until 11 or 12 years old. Always use your current child seat to its maximum limits before progressing
The Dangers of Moving Out of a Booster Too Soon
Transitioning children out of booster seats prematurely can result in:
• Internal injuries during crashes due to seatbelts pressing against the stomach or neck.
• Greater likelihood of ejection from the seat during a collision.
• Misalignment of the seatbelt, reducing its effectiveness.
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According to Australian road safety studies, improper seatbelt use is a leading cause of preventable injuries among children aged 8-12.
FAQS
Easy! Check the Body, Belt and Behaviour using the 3B’s
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BODY: Can Your Child Sit Correctly on the Vehicle’s Seat?
BELT: Does the Seat Belt Fit Your Child Correctly?
BEHAVIOR: Can Your Child Stay in This Position for the Entire Trip?
• Children under 145 cm should remain in a booster seat to ensure seat belt effectiveness. Children over 145cms tall need to use the 3B’s to help prevent serious injury. Not all vehicles are the same in Australia so please check your child’s compatibility with your vehicle to ensure safe travel guidelines are met.
• While the law mandates proper restraints until 7, experts recommend booster seats until at least 11-12 years, depending on the child’s height.
• Yes, while it’s not recommended there is no law against using a second hand child seat. You must ensure it hasn’t been in a crash, each component is still operating as it was when the unit was brand new, there are no visible signs of wear or damage, is under 10 years old, and meets Australian Standards (look for the AS/NZS 1754 label).
